Henry VIII: May 1543, 1-5 | British History Online

Pages 287-301

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

Citation:

May 1543, 1-5



1 May.	477. Bishopric Of Chichester. See GRANTS in MAY Nos. 2, 39, and 44.
1 May. Dasent's A.P.C., 124.	478. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 1 April (sic). Present : Canterbury, Chancellor, Russell, Hertford, Lisle, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :—Letter written to the President and Council of Wales in favour of — Horton, inhabitant of London and, yet, 'sessed for the Fifteenth in the Marches. Letter written to Suffolk for conveyance of Mr. Richardson, with letters, into Scotland. Roger Barlow delivered gold taken out of a ship lately driven into Milford Haven; a Welsh priest named — (blank) also brought a piece of gold weighing "xiiij or xv" taken from the said ship. Sir John Clere, Wm. Stafford and — Husey dismissed from attendance.
[1 May.] R.O. St. P., V. 280.	479. The Privy Council to Sadler. The King has received his of the 26th ult., of his conferences with the Governor, Angus, Glancarn, Casselles, Maxwell and Somervell and the probable answer to the King's articles lately delivered to the ambassadors here. He shall call the aforenamed and Sir George Douglas, if he think him sure, and say he has answer from the Council to his last letters, signifying their determination, if this matter come to force, to serve the King like true gentlemen, and is commanded, on the King's behalf, to thank them and assure them of assistance and reward. That the King intends to use their counsel in those matters and they shall lack neither money nor aid. That as to the answer likely to be made, the King marvels that the Governor should vary so far from his demands, but can be content to come to the points contained in the articles enclosed. (fn. 1) These articles Sadler shall, of himself, open to Angus and the rest named, and beg them to induce the Governor and others to agree to them; saying he thinks that, unless they condescend to them without further alteration, the King will follow his enterprise by force. He shall then tell them the King puts himself in order and desires their advice how to proceed if the matter come to force, and where the King should enter and where and with what force they will join him, &c.; which advice the King desires them to send him, subscribed with their hands, by the next post sent after receipt of this. Meanwhile they must keep watch that the Queen be not conveyed from Lythco, keep hold of Edinburgh and Leith (doing their best that the Governor start not from them), secure strongholds and procure friends. Sadler shall require Somervell, who reports the earl of Murrey to be well inclined, to move the Earl to write to the King, whom he shall find to be a Prince of honor and liberality. In the above secret conference, Sadler shall, as of himself, say, with a great request of secrecy, that if Scotland "come to utterance" with the King, their trade with the Emperor will be stopped, for a new league is made between the King and Emperor, one article of which is that enemies of either prince shall be forbidden intercourse with the other's dominions. Where you write that the Cardinal still desires to speak with you; if he come to Edinburgh you shall do so, and if not, when this business is done and you have leisure, you shall go to him at St. Andrews; and, after hearing him, shall, of yourself, remind him of the advantages of leaving France and uniting these two realms. If it is hard to persuade him to leave France because he has a bishopric (fn. 2) there, you may say that the King's kindness is such that, if he show more regard for the common weal than his own commodity, he may count on getting a better bishopric in England. The Governor must be induced to demand the castle of Dumbritayn in the Queen's name; so that it may be put in custody of Glencarne, or, if Lennox refuse, the Governor may see what he and others that stand for France mean. Draft, corrected by Wriothesley, pp. 23. Altered throughout from the form of a letter from the King. Begins : Mr. Sadleyr.
R. O. St. P., V. 281.	2. Articles enclosed in the preceding, headed as "thought so reasonable" that if the ambassadors of Scotland will not agree to the substance of them the King should follow his purpose by force. The pledges to be three earls, three bishops and two barons, to be changed every six months if they desire it, &c., and to lie for these points :— 1. The performance of the marriage and deliverance of the daughter of Scotland before she be 10 years old and her keeping by such persons, English and Scotch, as the King thinks meet. 2. A perpetual peace, friend to friend and enemy to enemy, with the renunciation of the amity with France, and their promise to make no leagues without the King's consent (and his to include them in all leagues he makes) and to aid him, for reasonable wages, in all his wars. 3. The Governor to govern during the child's minority, if he continue well inclined to the King, as he pretends, and to use the counsel of such Scotchmen as the King appoints. The Governor to have the revenues of the realm, reserving a convenient portion for the Queen, &c. Draft, in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 2.
1 May. R. O.	480. Devonshire Musters. Certificate by Otys Gylberd of his servants and tenants able to serve in the King's wars, made by authority of the King's letters to John Gylberd dated 31 March, 34 Hen. VIII., and delivered to the said Otys on 1 May (because no man in Devonshire is called John Gylberd except John Gylberd, dec., whose heir the said Otys is). Giving the names of 37 archers and billmen in his several lordships, with their harness. Parchment.
1 May. Add. MS. 32,650, f. 244. B.M. Hamilton Papers, No. 366.	481. Arran to Henry VIII. Understanding that Henry has sent for lord Maxwell's eldest son, recommends him as a gentleman who will be found conformable and able to fulfil Henry's pleasure. As we cannot well forbear the counsel of his father, we pray you to take another of the said lord Maxwell's sons as hostage, and permit the eldest to return into Scotland to rule the country. Edinburgh, 1 May. Signed : James Gowernour. Broadsheet, p. 1. Add. Endd. : A^o xxxv^o.
1 May. Add. MS. 32,650, f. 245. B.M. Sadler State Papers, I. 168.	482. Sadler To Henry VIII. Received Henry's letters of the 25th "of this month" (fn. 3) yesterday, when the Governor and nobility were at the point of concluding their answer; which the writer cannot bring fully to the point desired, but, by communing apart with Murray, Argyle and the earl Marishal (with whom would be won all save the kirkmen) and promising largely to them, has brought Murray and Argyle, who at first were against the delivery of pledges, to say that they heartily wish the marriage as "the thing that rightfully shall knit both these realms in one dominion, but until the same shall be so united, by the consummation of the marriage," they will spend their lives to preserve the liberty of this realm, which would be lost if the child were delivered. From that Sadler's persuasions and promises could not move them; they protesting that they covet no prince's amity so much as Henry's, and will serve him, saving their allegiance to their Sovereign and the freedom of the realm, and, as for France, they might not declare themselves enemy but would take no part with France against Henry. Cassils did much to bring Murray to this. The earl Marishal was more frank and said that, if Henry accepted the contract as offered and the pledges for the child's delivery "about the time of her lawful age," he would serve against France. Murray said that, if, at the first, Henry so embraced these things as to show he meant to win them by love, he might, when the noblemen of this realm had acquaintance of him, soon come by his whole purpose, although the prisoners had promised what they knew they could not perform. The Governor is now wholly on Henry's side, and, yesterday (fn. 4) at 4 p.m., sent for Sadler and told what ado he had to bring the nobility to Henry's desires : "the traitor bishops would grant to no part of the same :" but Murray and Argyle were now reasonable : on Bothwell Henry had ill bestowed liberality, for he opposed all, and "would forsake Scotland, France and England for ever rather than he would consent to lay pledges for the performance of the marriage" (which saying both Angus and Cassils affirm) : he (the Governor) had brought all the nobility to resolve that it was better to lay pledges than have war, and the King should have earls and lords as pledges for the marriage "and deliverance of the young Queen within a year or two of her lawful age." As for the peace, said the Governor, they stuck so to their old leagues with France that he could not induce them to conclude to "be friend to friend and enemy to enemy," but they would take no part with France against Henry. He had argued, vainly, that they might as well "covenant expressly against France" as promise to take no part with France; for such a promise would offend France, and then, if France or Denmark worked them any cumber, they must come on their knees and beseech the King that they might be friend to friend and enemy to enemy. The Governor said that Angus, Maxwell and others could tell what he had done; and, with his cap in his hand, he pressed Sadler to write his good mind to the King, beseeching the same to "embrace these offers now at the first entry" and, the King supporting him, he would in time satisfy all the rest of the demands. He would send Maxwell and Sir George Douglas with these offers and to desire the marriage of Henry's daughter for his son, whom, afterwards, he would send to Henry's Court to be brought up; and if these matters were at a good point he would himself post to London, without safe conduct, to see the King. Cannot set this forth more earnestly with the pen than he declared it with words and countenance and great oaths, inculking ever that the kirkmen loved him not and made it impossible for him to satisfy all the King's desires, but he trusted that the King would embrace what might be had; for he should have pledges, and the Scots his assured friends, and the Governor's son, being in succession inheritable to this Crown, in his Court; and, afterwards with the King's aid, he doubted not "to be master of them which now be almost masters of all this realm." Assuredly the kirkmen seek war, "and have and do daily entertain the noblemen with money and rewards, yea and large offers, to sustain the wars," thinking that with peace and unity "they shall be reformed and lose their glory, which they had liever die, and put all this realm in hazard, than they would forego." Lennox offers to pledge liberty and life that the French king will give "money, men, munition, ships and all that they will desire, to resist therewithal their ancient enemies of England." This morning at 5 o'clock Sir George Douglas came to say that the kirkmen (who had liever the world should sink than they lose their pomp and glory) made it impossible to satisfy the King, but, with such conclusions as were resolved by the majority of the temporality, Maxwell and he were to be sent to the King; and he desired counsel whether to go or not, alleging that if Sadler thought these conclusions would please he would "run" to it, being the rather content to go for two things, viz :— 1. That the King (besides pledges for the young Queen's deliverance within two years of her lawful age) should have the Governor's son (who if she fail shall be prince of this realm) in his Court for his daughter, the best possible pledge, and, with Englishmen and Scottishmen of his appointment about the Queen, he would doubtless, shortly, have all his desires, for the Governor must depend on him against Lennox and the clergy who will assuredly make a party; and it is impossible now to get more because of the clergy and the present offers of France. 2. That if the King refuse these offers he (Douglas) may "say his poor mind" how this country is to be conquered; and therefore he had liever have Glencairn with him than Maxwell, as a man of deeper judgment. In reply, Sadler (reflecting that if war succeed the King's army could not be sent before July, and that, meanwhile, preparing for it as he understands the King does, an advantage will be won of these men "for here they make no manner of preparation for defence") advised Douglas to go, and thought best that Glencairn should go with him. Both are wise men, and if they be not assured to the King "there is no Scottish man to be trusted." Lately, Glencairn, much commending Douglas, said that although, undoubtedly, he would do as his brother and the rest did, it were not amiss to make him subscribe the same writings, so that all might be under one bond. Forbore to charge Douglas with his promises, according to the King's letters, fearing to discourage him too much now at his repair to the King. Douglas alone kept the Governor from the other party, "and it is not possible (as I am informed) for one man to do more than he hath done with wit" to bring the King's desires to pass, and alone he so disputed against all the clergy in Council that they would give 10,000l. to have him destroyed. Indeed, he lately escaped a hazard at St. Andrews; and the laird of Craggie (Craigy in Sadler State Papers), who is fled into England, should have been the "executer," with the consent of the Cardinal. Surely the clergy "hate him deadly." Explains that he never denied that he promised "service and subjection"; and highly commends his efforts now "at this busy time." Thought best therefore not to propone any displeasing matter to him, when he looks rather to have thanks. Has also to-day spoken with Angus, Glencairn, Cassils, Maxwell and Somervail; and, although things have changed, thought best to confer with them upon the points of the King's "said letters." Declared that the King had prolonged their day of entry until midsummer, and why Knowing that they had been at great charge abiding here and retaining men, told them that the King had "sent every of them a remembrance for their costs and charges now sustained," and would, God granting his purpose, give them and their posterity cause to confess that they served a gracious master. This they "took in marvellous good part"; and Sadler (although there is no such need of retaining force as if the Governor had revolted, yet, because they have been at charge and have complained of lack of silver, and are poor men, "and none rich here to speak of but kirkmen") thought best to bestow the King's liberality upon them, and so told each apart what the King had determined, viz.:—To Cassils and Glencairn each 300 mks. To Maxwell, who had required 300l., said that the King had remembered him with 300 mks., which, coming unasked, was better than 300l. : but offered to write what he desired. He answered that he esteemed that 200l. better than 1,000l. bestowed otherwise, and prayed Sadler to speak nothing of his further demand. Told Somervail that the King sent him 200 mks. Thinks it not amiss to bestow 100l. on the earl Marishal, who if it come to force will take part with Angus. Also Cassils says that money will tempt Murray, who is no rich man; but it must be a greater sum than any of the rest have, and, for it, he would probably enter himself as one of the pledges. Debating how the King's army should enter, Angus and the rest wished that, if war succeeded, the army might be furnished with victuals and necessaries to remain; and said it was their part to devise for the army's surety, for failure would be their undoing. They thought it should enter both by the East and West Marches, and the navy come into the Fryth to Lygh. They would send their opinions at length, and, meanwhile, such of them as came with Sir George Douglas would confer with the King in this. They shall now need no "present aid." Satisfied Glencairn and Maxwell touching their pledges; but Maxwell sware a great oath that he would send his son up to declare himself, and that "his son would do whatsoever he would have him do." Declared the King's prorogation of the day of entry of the lords and others assured to his part; but upon consideration that this should engender suspicion of them, it is resolved that none shall enter until "they go all together." This afternoon, was again sent for by the Governor, who said the Council had sitten this day about an answer to Lennox, who brought large offers but nothing special; and, albeit the kirkmen spoke as much to-day for France as yesterday against England, yet, as Lennox brought only general matter, offering for its performance his life and heritage (which was not worth 10,000l. Scots), they gave him only a general answer and would not treat; although the kirkmen would have broken the conditions of the abstinence in that behalf, which he would never do. Here he began to declare his affection to the King and how much he had done to get the noblemen to agree to the pledges (showing Sadler a paper subscribed by some twenty of them) and to have the peace concluded as the King desired; and this he called Angus and Douglas to record, and the latter said plainly that he (the Governor) had indeed shown himself most addict to Henry, and if he minded it not sincerely he was "the most dissembling gentleman in the world"; whereto the Governor "answered with a great oath (as indeed he is a good swearer) that he minded no less to please your Majesty than he intended his own salvation." The Governor asked whether he should send Glencairn or Maxwell with Douglas. Sadler replied that "they were both very acceptable" to the King. The Governor then said he would send Glencairn, as of greater reputation and better experience than Maxwell; and when things were knit up, as he trusted in God (holding up his hands) the King would accept these offers, he would send Angus and Murray (for Huntley is not here) and such others as the King should wish. Sadler told him that the King had prolonged the day of entry of the prisoners until midsummer, so as not to disfurnish him of his most faithful friends; whereat he was singularly well content, saying that if he durst he would himself have sued for it. He then prayed Sadler to speak with Cassils, Maxwell and Somervail to remain with him, as Angus and the earl Marishal would do. Sadler had returned to his lodging when a gentleman of the Governor's chamber came with a request from the Governor that he would write to the King to change Maxwell's pledge, so that he might rule the Borders while Maxwell remained here about the Governor. Knows that this proceeded of Maxwell's suit; who came this evening to take his leave, "because he goeth now to Carlisle to relieve his son," and assured Sadler that, whatever had been told the King, his son "will do as he would have him, or else, he swore by all the oaths of God, he would hang him on a tree;" besides, he said, his son could do nothing but what he appointed, and he himself could not both attend here on the Governor and look to his offices. Somervail makes suit to have his son home, who is sick of the stone and, unless he may come home "to be cut of the stone (which disease he hath by kind)," he will be in great peril. Glencairn and Douglas shall now with diligence repair to Henry. The Governor must adhere to Henry or he could not long enjoy his place, being only upheld by Angus and Henry's party. The band against him is great, but their power is on the other side of the water, so that here they prevail more in Council than with force. It was not possible at this assembly to do more than Henry's party have done; and the Governor himself offered, if any of the noblemen would take his office, to lie pledge in England for the marriage, whereby most of the nobility were induced to grant pledges; but Bothwell and divers others are against it, "with the whole rabble of the kirkmen." Henry will be able to confer with Glencairn and Douglas for the better attaining of his purpose, either by peace or war; whose journey the clergy have striven to empeach; for they desire rather utter wars than any agreement, and, even since this convention, have offered a war tax off the clergy, and to go themselves to battle, rather than Henry should have his desires as now granted. "This is the charity of those holy prelates and pastors, whom God amend!" Edinburgh, 1 May. Pp. 17. Add. Endd : a^o xxxv^o. *** The above is noted (with a list of corrigenda for the text as printed in Sadler State Papers) in Hamilton Papers, No. 367.
1 May. Add. MS. 32,650 f. 254. B.M. Hamilton Papers, No. 368.	483. Sadler to Suffolk. His letters to the King show how matters stand. Has just received Suffolk's of 29 April, with the news from Wodehouse and the King's pleasure touching Sir John a Wytherington. No ships of war are set forth from either Ligh or Aberden; and all Scotland could not furnish fourteen, so that what Wodehouse writes is utterly untrue. Here are three or four merchants, which are half men of war, going into the East Land, and other 8 or 10 merchants are now coming homewards, whom Wodehouse, if he look well about him, may meet withal. Suffolk's information by espial of the preparing of the ships at Ligh is untrue; as also, he thinks, the like at Aberdene. Touching Witherington, will travail with Angus. Begs him to charge the Wardens of the Borders to keep good rule (for "they begin to break loose"), as the like is promised here. Lennox will presently despatch by the West seas into France. If the King have any ships there to intercept the messenger we should learn better how things stand secretly with France; albeit to accept these men's offers will surely draw them from France. While writing this, sent Henry Ray to Sir Geo. Douglas to ask what ships of war are being set forth, and is answered, as he expected, that there is none. Edinburgh 1 May. Has sent to Master Wharton for the 1,000l., "which is to be employed as know," and which Maxwell has promised to convey hither. Hol. pp. 2. Add. Endd. : a^o xxxv^o.
1 May. R.O.	484. Lord Maltravers to Henry VIII. Wm. Knyght and Chr. at Well, young men, factors to their fathers who are merchants of this town, have escaped from prison in the castle of Crotoye and came hither on Sunday last. Knight declared to two of the Treasurer's clerks that, at Crotoye, he heard a Gascon named Ogiers speak detestable words. Examined Knight, who said he had, at Crotoye, shown the words to Cales pursuivant. Called Sir Ralph Ellerker and Sir Edw. Wotton, marshal and treasurer here, and examined At Well, who confirmed Knight's sayings, and Cales, who explained that he did not at once report the words because he was not told who had said them and trusted on his return to Crottoye to hear more. Have committed Cales to strait ward. Calais, 1 May, in the morning. This Gascon was never here before last October. Cannot learn whether he has been in England. Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd. : a^o xxxv^o. II. Enclosure in the preceding :—On 31 March, 1543, as I, Wm. Knight, and Chr. at Well were stayed at Crottoy in the mayor's house, at dinner, a Gascon named Ogier, fact[or] for Perotyn Devynnon, merchant of Bordeaux, said, in conversation, "Que parle vous tant de Cales? Si le Roy de France i vodroit mestre la siege je connoise seigneris en Englettere quy vodroient incontinent livrer la ville de Calle et paraileme[nt] tuer vostre Roy aussi." Signed by Knyght and At Well. P. 1. In Knyght's hand.
1 May. R.O.	485. Wallop to the Council. Did not receive until 29 April their letter of 20 April touching Thos. Fisher, of Loes, Kent, who has misdemeaned himself. Examined the bills of the captains and spoke to Mr. Ponynges to do the like with his 200 men; examined also the clerks of the masons, bricklayers and hard hewers, but can find no such name. The Surveyor says that one of the name was here last year, and trusts to find him if he is anywhere in the King's works on this side. Has no news of the French camp but what he wrote on 29 April, in which he mentioned an overthrow of the French by the garrison of Aire. To verify this, feigned a letter this day to the captain of Ardre, and encloses his answer thereto. Guisnes, 1 May. Signed. P. 1 Add. Endd. : a^o xxxv^o.
1 May. R.O.	486. J. De Sevicourt to Wallop. I have received your letters "lesquelles font mention que aulcuns Bourguignons ont prins quelzques bestes d'Anthoiniers (fn. 5) appartenans a ung des gens du pays du Roy mon maistre. Je nentends poinct que lesdits previlleges soyent rompus; neantmoins, pour cause que lesdits Bourguignons ont pillie aulcuns des nostres, et jusques ad ce quilz ayent rendu premier, enquoy faisant sommes prestz a faire rendre, vous porres le tout faire apprecier et rendre a l'Anthoinier a bonne et seurre cauxion en actendant quil en soit ordonne." As to the bruit with you that those of St. Omer and Aire have defeated our men near Therouanne, we have no news of it; but on Wednesday last, St. Mark's Day, Mons. d'Aubemalle, son of Mons. de Guise, with eight or ten gentlemen of the King's house and of the garrison of Therouanne, defeated 400 Burgundian horse between Therouanne and Aire and took 120 prisoners. The Burgundians have not informed you of two overthrows which the duke of Cleves has given them, which number 20,000 men. Ardre, 1 May, 1543. Signed. French p. 1. Add. : Mons. de Wallot, gouverneur de Guisnes.
1 May. R.O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 132.]	487. The Queen Of Hungary to Chapuys. Was pleased to learn occurrences there so amply by his letters of the 18th inst. (sic), although she finds it strange that the King, who knows how Frenchmen can disguise affairs, doubts her news of the battle before Zittart, which agrees with what she wrote to the Emperor. Deferred doing it until she knew the certainty; and the strangers who were in the enemy's service feel it too much to disguise it, and the servants who have returned without masters bear witness of it. The King leaves out of account that the duke of Cleves, since he returned from France, surpasses the French in enriching his tales. This need not be mentioned to the King unless he speaks of it. As to the particulars of the enterprise, he did well not to press the King so far as to repel him; but she must know his intention, together with the particulars contained in Granvelle's memoire, in order to provide in time. Chapuys must again write plainly whether he holds it certain that the King will make the enterprise at the time mentioned, and what she is to furnish either of men of war, victuals, powder or other munitions and carriage. As for men of war, if the Emperor likewise makes enterprise against France or Cleves he will want horsemen of Flanders, and it would be difficult to furnish two armies with horsemen sufficient to abide battle if the French gave it; and, since the King makes no sign of retaining foreign horsemen, it is to be known if he intends to make a separate army, as Granvelle thinks expedient, or join with the Emperor's army. Also it is to be noted that if the King alone should make enterprise with the number of men capitulated by the 22nd article, he would have to be reinforced with 2,000 Almains and 2,000 horse, unless, beforehand, the Emperor made enterprise on the other side, in which case the Emperor would not be bound to assist with the said number. As to victuals and carriage, it must be understood that if the Emperor makes simultaneous enterprise he must first be assured of them, and that the most fertile frontiers here are destroyed by war. Still, she will do her best that the King's army may be well served; but, as for powder from Almain, it is obtained with great difficulty. Will willingly permit its being bought here, for the enterprise, but fears that it will be ill to get. Writes the above, not that he may press the King and Council more than he sees convenient, but that he may write plainly what seems best for her to do to satisfy the King. Has deferred equipping ships of war because not bound by the treaty to send them out until after the King has defied the king of France. By his speech to the French ambassador, he does not yet consider himself enemy of France, although the treaty is plain that all are his enemies who invade this country (as is now done by the French king who has his army within Arthois, the duke of Cleves, who has invaded Limbourg, and the duke of Holstein who has sent men to the duke of Cleves) according to the sixth article. Also since the French have entered Arthois with more than 10,000 men she has ground to require the King's assistance in accordance with the seventh article, but would first have Chapuys's advice what to do without giving the King occasion for resentment, and whether she ought to wait for the Emperor's ratification before demanding assistance (which seems unnecessary, as the treaty is binding before the ratification, which neither prince is bound to give except within fifteen days after requisition) or can demand it at once, seeing that the King is only bound to send it 40 days after requisition, and, if in money, at the end of the month after the 40 days, and if, meanwhile, the enemies retire he could deny obligation to furnish the said assistance, so that, if he is now requested to give the assistance, she must abide long before being able to get it. The treaty seems to permit of its being made before the enemies enter, inasmuch as it provides against such as demand it unduly. Desires likewise to be advertised whether it would not be expedient that the King should now declare himself enemy of the French, Clevois and Danes, in pursuance of the 6th article, and expel their subjects from his realm; which would suit the Emperor's affairs and perhaps give cause of reflection to many (donneroit a penser a pluseurs); also to what equipment of ships of war she is bound by the treaty. Chapuys must give her thanks to the King for his information about the equipment of the French ships which might surprise Dunkirk or succour their army if it should enter Base Flanders, which it could not do for ten or twelve days yet on account of the continual rains here. The French in Arthois have made no important exploit as yet, and she cannot learn what they intend. The Clevois had made a bridge at Reuremunde, in order to cross the Meuze and make courses in Brabant, but the floods have carried it away. They fortify themselves daily, but what they will do is not yet known. Requires him, by all means, to persuade the King's Council not to oppose the centiesme which the Estates have imposed upon exports from hence. It is no great matter to the English, who bring more merchandise hither (for which they do not pay it) than they carry out; and since it is only temporary, for the war, they ought not to make account of it. She will order that they shall be graciously treated, without unusual searching of their merchandise, and merchandise shall be taxed at the merchants' declaration and common estimate, and the English specially favoured. If, perchance, the Council will not be satisfied, Chapuys shall take heed to satisfy the King. The Courtmaster, some time ago, made a protest to recover what the English merchants pay for the centiesme. As to the passport for the wines, thinks it a little unreasonable that her subjects may not bring from France the merchandise she needs, and that the King would order what might be brought hither, when his own subjects trade freely in France. Until he has declared against France he ought not to hinder the said ships : after he is at war with France she will not seek to enfranchise French ships without his consent. Chapuys should gently insist that the King should not hinder these ships any more than she does his that go into France. The man (fn. 6) detained at Utrecht was arrested because he was taking the direct road towards Gelders and his manner made the men of war suspect him to be a spy. As to the order for men of war upon the sea the Sieur de Beures will be here to-day or to-morrow and she will communicate to him the writing last sent and advertise Chapuys what to answer, although she hopes that there will be no difficulty in its observance. French, pp. 7. Modern transcript from a Vienna MS., headed : "A l'ambassadeur Chapuys, du premier jour de May 1543, tout en cyffre commune."
1 May. Egerton MS. 284. B. M.	488. Charles V. Codicil made by the Emperor Charles V., at Barcelona, 1 May 1543, to his orginal will made in Madrid the last day of February 1535, to which there are already two codicils, the one dated in Madrid, 5 Nov. 1539, and the other in Brussels, 12 Oct. 1540. Signed : Yo el Rey. Signed also on the back : Yo el Rey : Covos, com'r m'jor : Joachinde Rye : Jn^o de Figuerro[a] : Don Luys de Cuñga : J. Dandelot : Fran^co de le desma (?) : Anthoine de Canos (?),' and the secretaries, Alonso de Idiaquez and Joos Bave, as witnesses. Seals lost. Parchment, pp. 5.
2 May. Dasent's A. P. C., 125.	489. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 2 April (sic). Present : Chancellor, Russell, Hertford, Lisle, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :—The King's pleasure declared touching the dismissing out of the Tower of Thos. Wiatt, — Pickering and Thos. Clere, and of Grafton and Whitchurch out of the Fleet.
2 May. Harl. MS. 442, f. 191. B. M.	490. Price of Sugar. Proclamation made 2 May 35 Hen. VIII. limiting the price of sugar to 7d. a lb. The preamble states that although a great quantity of sugar has lately come to the port of London those who have it have conspired together to enhance the price far above what has been accustomed. Modern copy, pp. 3.
2 May. R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 133.]	491. Henry VIII. to President Schore. Knowing, by the Emperor's ambassador here, the good offices he has done for the establishment of this closer amity, requests that he will assist and advise Sir Thos. Sayntmour, of his Chamber, and Dr. Nicholas Wotton, dean of Canterbury, whom he now sends on matters connected therewith to the Queen of Hungary. Westm., 2 May. French, p. 1. Modern transcript from Vienna.
2 May. R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 135.]	492. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary. Although he might be excused from writing in recommendation of M. Semel, the bearer, both because of the King who sends him and his own honesty, yet, for the King's satisfaction and Chapuys's obligation towards Semel and the Comte d' Arfort, grand chamberlain, his brother, he begs her to let Semel know that he has done it. By bearer and his colleague (fn. 7), a very worthy man, she will learn occurrents, which his indisposition gives him no leisure to write. London, 2 May 1543. French, p. 1. Modern transcript from Vienna.
2 May. R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 134.]	493. Chapuys to President Schore. Promises help in the affair of a certain Florentine; and recommends the bearers. French. Modern note (appended to No. 284) of a MS. at Vienna. Headed : 2 May.
2 May. Theiner, 614.	494. Cardinal Betoun to Paul III. The brief summoning him to the General Council at Trent at Christmas last did not reach him until the 13th of April following and even if it had come in time he could not, because of the King's death and the English invasion, have been absent without great risk to the State. While defending the liberty of the Church and striving to expel the contagion of English impiety, he was treacherously seized and kept in captivity for three months and a half, at the instigation of the English king. Although not free from hatred of enemies he is restored to his former liberty in spite of his adversaries. Leaves these and other things to the relation of David Vonar, his servant. Will strive with all his strength for the safety of the Church. St. Andrews, 2 May 1543. Lat.
2 May. R. O.	495. The Patriarch, Marco Grimani, to Card. Farnese. * * * The Cardinal of Tournon, this morning, told the writer's secretary that last night he had letters from England by Claudio Dei, Florentine, his servant, that the ambassadors of Scotland had been with the King of England, to whose chief demands, viz., that they should change their religion and recognise him as their superior, they replied proudly that, with God's help, they hoped to live as their fathers had lived, both with regard to religion and to the liberty of the realm; and with this resolution they were to return into Scotland. Tournon could say nothing of the writer's despatch, having no news of what Mons. di Obignin (fn. 8) has effected there. Here is arrived a Venetian gentleman, who left England eight days ago and has confirmed the above report about the ambassadors, and says that the Scots were able to go at their pleasure in England and were well received by all, but, nevertheless, "stavano in buon proposito e su la sua." Wrote diffusely by the count of Mirandola who ought now to be in Italy. Awaits that blessed news from Scotland. Loisi, 2 May 1543. Signed : Marco Grimano, Patriarcha. Italian. Modern extract from a Vatican MS. pp. 2. Headed : De Patriarca d'Aquileja al R'mo Card. Farnese.
2 May. R. O. St. P., IX 367.	496. Edmond Harvel to Henry VIII. Wrote on 22 April; on which day, the Bishop was received in Ferrara with great pomp. He was appointed to tarry 7 or 8 days, but departed suddenly to Bononye on the 25th, moved, it is thought, by the league between Henry and the Emperor, which is a matter of public fame and a grievous wound to the Roman Bishop and clergy, "fearing thereby the ruin of their temporal state." The Bishop has sent Cardinal Fernese to Geane to invite the Emperor to a parliament at Luke; but it is thought the Emperor, whose arrival is expected hourly, will hasten straight to Germany. The Emperor is agreed with the Protestants by means of the Count Palatin. Venetians esteem this league passing fearful to the French king and all other adversaries. On the 6th inst. the Venetian general shall depart with 60 galleys. The Turkish navy shall not be puissant, for the Turk makes his uttermost effort by land. Vienna shall be defended by 20,000 footmen and 4,000 horse under the duke of Baviera, and extreme need shall arm all Germany for defence. The Frenchmen begin to engross in Piemont, 7,000 men having passed the Mountains. Guasto is gone to Aste intending to take the field. Don Ferrante Consaga is arrived in Mantua, and shall go to Flanders with Paulo Lusasco, captain of the Emperor's light horse in Milan, "a man of the best name living for th'experience of light horses." The French divulge the departure of Barbarossa from Constantinople on 6 April. Venice, 2 May 1543. Hol., pp. 2. Add. Sealed. Endd. : Haryvel.
3 May. Dasent's A. P. C., 125.	497. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 3 April (sic). Present : Canterbury, Chancellor, Norfolk, Russell, Hertford, Admiral, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Paget, Riche, Baker, Dacres. Business :—Thos. Wiatt and Wm. Pikering sent for out of the Tower and, acknowledging their offences, released upon recognizances (cited). Letter written to Suffolk to cause copies of Sir George Lawson's books to be delivered to the executors; also declaring the appointment of the treasurership of Berwick to Sir Wm. Malory.
3 May. R. O.	498. The Privy Council to [Suffolk]. In perusing the bill of Sir George Lawson's offices the King has named Sir William Malory to the office of treasurer of Barwik, if he will take it, and requires your lordship either to speak with him, if he be near, or write to know his mind therein. Westm., 3 May. Signed by Canterbury, Chancellor Audeley, Russell, Lisle, Winchester, St. John, Browne, Wyngfeld and Wriothesley. P. 1. Fly leaf with address lost.
3 May. Royal MS. 18 B. VI., 153. B. M. Epp. Reg. Sc. II., 156.	499. Mary Queen of Scots to the Cardinal of Carpi. The Cistercian abbey of Dere will shortly be void by the resignation of the present abbot John; and the nomination pertains to James earl of Arran to whom the rule of the realm is committed until the Queen's majority (adultam aetatem), who will choose Robert Keith, brother of the earl Marshal. Begs him to move the Pope to [confer] the said abbey upon the said Robert in commendam. Ex palacio nostro Sancte Crucis, 3 May 1543. Lat., p. 1.
4 May. Dasent's A. P. C., 126.	500. The Privy Council. Meeting at Westm., 4 May. Present : Canterbury, Audeley, Norfolk, Russell, Hertford, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Paget, Riche, Baker, Dacres. Business :— It was thought, if the King should so please, "that a general commission should be sent into Kent, with certain special articles, and generally all abuses and enormities of religion to be examined." Determined that Doctors Peter, Tregonwell, Oliver and Bellows should examine Cobbe and Sir William of Honny Lane, etc.; also that the bps. of Ely, Sarum, Rochester and Westminster should examine Dr. Haynes.
4 May. Add. MS. 32, 650, f. 257. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 369.	501. Arran to Henry VIII. After conclusion taken in Parliament, we have answered the articles which your Majesty opened to our ambassadors; and now send with them, for final ending of the marriage between the Prince of England and the Queen and a perpetual peace between these realms, "William earl of Glencarne, lord Kilmawris, and Schir George Dowglas brothir germane to the noble and mychti erle of Angus and lord Dowglas." Begs credence for them. Edinburgh, "the ferd day of the moneth of Maii." Signed : James Governour. Broad sheet, p. 1. Add. Endd. : iiij^o Maii 1543.
4 May. R. O. Rymer, XIV., 781.	502. England and Scotland. Commission of Mary Queen of Scots, with the consent of Arran, to Wm. earl of Glencarne, lord Kilmawris, George Douglas brother of Archibald, earl of Angus lord Douglas, Wm. Hammiltoun of Sanquhare, and James Leirmonth of Balcomy, knights, and Mr. Henry Balnavis, the Queen's secretary; appointing them plenipotentiaries to treat and conclude a peace and league with England. Edinburgh, 4 May 1543, 1 Mary. Signed and sealed by Arran. Lat. Parchment.
R.O. Ib. 783.	2. Similar commission to treat and conclude her marriage with Prince Edward of England. Edinburgh, 4 May 1543, 1 Mary. Signature and seal lost. Lat. Parchment much mutilated.
5 May. Add. MS. 32, 650, f. 258. B. M. Sadler State Papers, I. 184.	503. Sadler to Suffolk, Durham and Parr. Received yesterday theirs of 2 May; and conferred thereupon with the Governor, who forthwith addressed strait commandments to Bothwell and all other wardens to keep their days of truce. Any default will be against the will of the Governor but Bothwell, who has the rule of Liddersdale, is "the most vain and insolent man in the world, full of pride and folly," and the Governor prays that his answer may be weighed accordingly. Thinks that if lord Parr come to the Borders he should quickly call upon Bothwell to meet and make redress; and if he refuse, or the Liddersdalers make incursions, see them "truly paid home again." Yesterday the Governor rode towards his house of Hamilton, with Angus, Cassils, Marishal and Somervail; telling Sadler, before leaving, how Lennox while here promised to sign and seal the act for his establishment as Governor, and yet departed suddenly without doing so; wherefore, within eight days, Lennox should either confess his title and subscribe the act, or else be imprisoned or driven out of the realm; and he trusted to get from Lennox the castle of Dumbarton. Expects that Lennox, who can make no party against the Governor and Angus, will be chased again into France; and hopes (as the Governor also does) that the King's ships may meet with him. He has but two ships, one of "two hundreth" well appointed for war, in which he came, and the other a small boat which the abbot of Paisley hired to convey his baggage out of France. The Governor threatens to send the laird of Brunstoun to the French king to declare Lennox's misbehaviour, who was here three weeks, within 40 miles of the Court, without declaring his charge and commission from the French king, and has tried to stir up sedition in the realm. If Brunstoun is sent the Governor will notify the King of it, and of his commission. Four or five merchant ships at Leith are preparing to sail within six days, together with a Frenchman who lately came in with wines. They go strongly furnished with men and artillery. Woodhouse and his fellows may be warned to look upon them. On Monday next Glencairn and Douglas depart towards the King, and intend to "ride it in eight days." Edinburgh, 5 May. Signed. Pp. 3. Add. Sealed. Endd. : a^o xxxv^o. *** The above is noted (with corrigenda for the text printed in Sadler State Papers) in Hamilton Papers, No. 370.
5 May. Royal MS. 18 B. VI., 153. B. M. Epp. Reg. Sc., II., 155.	504. Arran to the [Cardinal Of Carpi]. Has already written to him to obtain commendation of the monastery of Monymusk, upon the resignation of the possessor, to Arran's servant John Elphinstoun, canon of Aberdeen, Not knowing whether the letters have been received, writes again; and commissions him to tell the Pope that Arran, as Governor, consents to the resignation. Edinburgh, 5 May 1543. Lat. Copy, pp. 2.
5 May. R. O.	505. Edward Raligh And John Brende to the Council. (fn. 9) Departing from Venice to see the wars of Piemount, were at Milan, 29 April, when there came thither George Dudley, son of the lord Dudley that sold his lands. (fn. 10) Suspected him because he was accompanied by four Frenchmen and eschewed the writers' company; and, upon enquiry, learnt that he was going to Bononia to Poole, having fled out of England, that he was taken in France and escaped from Mr. Pachett, that the King had written letters for his taking, that he named himself cousin of Cardinal Poole, that he was sent from the Court of France to the Bishop of Rome's legate, who sent him to the legate of Avinyon, (fn. 11) sometime a bishop in England, who gave him a goodly mule and men to conduct him, by this, to Trent, and that he carried letters superscribed to Poole. Considered that they must either kill him or get him detained. The first course seemed perilous (and unprofitable, since they would lose his letters and confession) and the second difficult in a free country where Papists bear much rule. However, as the marquis of Gwast, governor here, knew of them (they having made suit to go to the wars) they sent him a petition to detain Dudley until the coming of the King's ambassador with the Emperor. This he willingly granted, they having said that Dudley came out of France laden with letters, some of which might make for the Emperor's purpose; but before the commission came Dudley left suddenly, on 2 May towards the Pope's lands. The writers thereupon posted to Pavia, to the Marquis, for the commission, and thence, 30 miles, to Casane, near the passing of the Poo towards Placentia, where they put Dudley and his company in prison, and returned to the Marquis with the letters. The Marquis committed Dudley to Milan castle and gave the writers the letters, which, with the commission, they enclose herewith. At the Emperor's coming to Pavia, in 12 days' time, my Lord of London shall hear the matter. The "terror that is stricken into the Papists with the bruit thereof" is something gained. Myllayn, 5 May. Signed. Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: "Edward Raylegh and John Brend to the Consail, v^o Maii 1543."