Henry VIII: September 1544, 11-15 | British History Online

Pages 114-125

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 19 Part 2, August-December 1544. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1905.

Citation:

September 1544, 11-15



11 Sept.	214. New Levies.
R.O.	Letters missive commanding the person addressed (as chosen, amongst others, in that county of-––––(blank) to execute a former commission for general musters and see to the good order of that county according to certain instructions, and, eftsoons advertised by the Council attending the Queen, regent during the King's absence, to certify the names of the six most expert gentlemen of that shire to lead the men mustered, and command them to remain ready at an hour's warning), appointing one of the said gentlemen to every 100 as captain, to see the number of-––––(blank) able and tall [men, of whom]––––– blank) are to be archers and the rest [billmen] or pikyans, furnished with weapons, immediately set forward to the port of-––––(blank), where shipping shall be prepared for their transportation to Boloign haven. As there is no time to send conduct money, he is to pay it to the captains and recover it from the Council with the Queen. The men shall receive their coats at the camp. Camp before Boloign-––––(blank) Sept. 36 Henry VIII.
	Pp. 2. Headed: By the King, and signed wit It a stamp, but the signature mostly torn off. Endd.: M. sent for the levyeng of iiij^m. men to be sent to Boloign, the xjth of September 1544.
	215.——to Mr. Leg.
R.O.	"Mr. Leg, as ever you purpose to do the King's Majesty good service, see that shipping be prepared out of Ha[rwich] for ix^c men out of Essex and Hertf. and for viij^c out of Norf. and Suff.; and give advice to all the masters and mariners that they use all the diligence possible by tiding and otherwise, to win Estaples, which standeth upon the water that goeth to Muttrell. And let the great ship which you write of be put in order to conduct them as they shall pass, keeping such course as she may be a surety to them although they pass not all together, for we would some good number were there onward. This matter is of greater importance than we may write; and therefore, good Mr. Leg, put to your hand in such sort as it may be despatched with all possible celerity. The ships and hoys and crayers already put in order upon the last letters from the Council shall (we trust) now serve well this purpose, and you must use like diligence for the setting out of the Great Paunceye, for the which money shall be sent you this day or tomorrow. But see there be no time lost in the mean season. And thus fare you heartily well."
	P. 1.
11 Sept.	216. John Mason to Mr. Honninges.
R.O.	I have deferred to write, looking every day to send you the great good news which I trust you shall hear within four days, for tomorrow or Sunday we go earnestly to the matter. We assailed the castle yesterday in play, but the defence was so earnest that "a great number of our men are hurt and some slain, among is (sic) Jheronimo, the deviser, which I think is 5,000 pound in the King's Highness' way." Cardinal Bellay and other French ambassadors have been these three days at Hadlow (Hardelot) castle with my lord Chamberlain, my lord of Winchester, Mr. Ryche and Mr. Secretary. This day arrived the bp. of Arras, eldest son to Grandvela, who, besides his special charge, brought word that the Emperor, offering battle, had passed by the French king at Chalons and continues his journey towards Paris, intercepting so much victual on its way to Chalons that he was fain to strike out the bottoms of 200 pieces of wine for lack of carriage. Tell Mr. Knight that I have delivered his letters to Mr. Man and called once or twice for the answer. You may communicate these news to Mr. Buclar, to whom I have no leisure to write, being, by Mr. Secretary's absence, "more troubled than my nature can well endure." From the siege before Boulloyn, 11 Sept. 1544.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: clerk of the Privy Council. Endd.
12 Sept.	217. Shrewsbury and Others to the Queen and Council.
Add. MS. 32,655, f. 180. B.M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 320.	Enclose letters from Wharton, with one from Cassells to Lenoux Also enclose a letter from the Wardens of the East and Middle Marches, of their opinion touching the enterprise upon Kelso and Morehouse. Although that upon Morehouse is difficile it shall be considered; and that of Kelso shall not be left undone. Of late Sir George Dowglas wrote to Sadler for two Scottish prisoners, Alex. Howme and Wm. Cockburn, taken lately. The copy of Sadler's answer is enclosed; and now Dowglas has written again the letter herewith, whereby it seems that a herald shall shortly come with letters to the King. Ask whether to stay him and send up his letters; and desire instructions as to Dowglas's request that Sadler, or Sir Ralph Evers or some other trusty gentleman, may go to Berwick to speak with him. Richemond, 12 Sept. 1544. Signed by Shrewsbury, Durham and Sadler.
	Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
Add. MS. 32,655, f. 182. B.M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 320(1)	2. Sadler to Sir George Douglas.
	Received his letters by Alex. Lauder, and is sorry to be unable to satisfy his request forAlex. Howme and Wm. Cockburne; but, the King being in France, the lord Lieutenant here will not let them home without his Highness' pleasure. Having this occasion to write, cannot but tell him plainly that the long silence of his brother and him as to affairs there is "somewhat noted here." As one who has always had a good opinion of his sincere zeal for the perfection of the King's godly purpose there, advises him to redubbe his long silence. Will forward any letters he may send; and if he writes to the King or Council of his proceedings and opinion, as in time past he was wont personally to commune with Sadler in Edinburgh, it cannot but redound to his benefit.
	Copy, p. 1. Headed: "The copie of th'aunswer made by Sir Rafe Sadleyr to the lettre writen by Sir George Dowglas to him of the 28 of August 1544."
12 Sept.	218. Siege of Boulogne.
R.O.	Safe-conduct granted by Henry VIII., at the request of Messir Jacques de Coucy, sieur de Vervins, captain of the town of Boulogne, to Messire Nicolas St. Blymont and Messire Françoys de Renty, sieur de Ayx, to come to the King and return, provided that they come within two hours after the date of this, and that during their stay with him those of the town make no fortification nor permit any person to enter or leave, and that when they are returned those who conduct them may come away safely, who shall be Sir Thomas Speke, gentleman of the King's Chamber, and Messire Henry Palmer, gentleman of his house. Camp before Boulogne, 12 Sept., 7 p.m., 1544, 36 Hen. VIII. Signed at the head.
	French. Small parchment.
12 Sept.	219. Norfolk and Russell to Suffolk and Browne.
R.O.	This afternoon at the new bastilion (two miles from the camp) received their letters, and incontinently returned home and took order for 150 cannon shot and 300 demi-cannon shot to be sent them. The horses to carry the shot, being at forage, cannot be here before night, but at the beginning of moonlight tomorrow morning it shall be set forward. Fresh horses should meet it at Newfechasteaw. As to the saying of a French courier that 300 men have entered Monstrell; neither 300 nor 3 have entered, "neither munition nor victual." From the camp before Monstrell, 12 Sept.
	P.S.—Norfolk has, after sealing this, received another letter showing that the shot is not wanted, and so has dismissed the sending of it. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To, etc., my lorde of Suffolk and to the Mr, of the Horse, and to either of them, Endd, 1544.
12 Sept.	220. Vaughan to Paget.
	Ensuing the commandment of the King's Council, we have delivered to William Damesell about 12,000l. Fl., besides 4,000l. in August last; and he still wishes 6,000l., which we will deliver if so much remains. That done and our reckonings ordered, I will repair to the King, in 8 or 10 days. "My wife is sore sick and in jeopardy of her life; wherefore I desire greatly to be with you, hoping to obtain licence of the King's Majesty for a while to go into England." God send you health and shortly to obtain Bulleyn. Andwerp, 12 Sept.
	Hol, p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
	221. Boulogne.
R. O	Memorandum headed "For th'assault," being the Council's suggestions for the King's approval, as to how the lord Lieutenant, the lord Admiral and master of the Ordnance and the Lord Chamberlain and Mr. Candyshe shall order their men at the several breaches; with a petition that they may choose their weapons. Those who have charge of the assaults will order the bands according to the captains' reports of the disposition of their soldiers, and advertise the King. Of the order of artillery, shot, powder, wildfire, scaling ladders, &c., the master of the Ordnance is appointed to make a book.
	Pp. 2.
13 Sept.	222. Capitulation of Boulogne.
R.O.	Treaty made between the duke of Suffolk, lieutenant and captain general of the army of the king of France and England and Ireland, etc., and Messire Jacques de Coucy, seigneur de Vervins, captain Of the town and castle of Boulloygne and governor of Boullonoys; by means of Messrs. Nicholas de Saynt Blemon and Francois de Kenty, seigneur d'Ayx. The town and castle of Boulogne to be delivered to the King tomorrow, 14 Sept., at 10 a.m., with all artillery, powder and munitions, Vervins and his men of arms to depart with their baggage, and eight other items, one of which provides that the abbot of Notre Dame and his monks may depart in safety. Camp before Boulogne, 13 Sept. 1544. Signed: Jacques de Coucy: N. de St. Blimont: Françys de Renty.
	Fr. In Mason's hand. Parchment. Indented.
Hatfield MS. 232, No. 11, [Cal. of Cecil MSS. Pt. i., 177.]	2. Contemporary copy of the preceding.
	French, pp. 3.
R.O.	3. Modern copy of the same.
	French, pp. 5.
	223. Boulogne.
R.O.	"First, all horsemen to go, unless one hundred which must remain for the scout."
	"Item, footmen to remain with the King in the town, beside 1,500 pioneers, as ensueth, viz.:—My lord Admiral 700, the earl of Rutland 76, my lord of Winchester 100, my lord of Worcester 80, Sir Ric. Riche 100, Sir Wm. Pagett 100, Sir Ant. Wingfelde 300, Sir Hugh Paulett 100, Sir John Gennins (?) 30, Sir Thomas Hennege 100, Mr. Denny 160, Sir John a Bruges 240, Sir Robt. Acton 40, John Welsbourn 80, the King's stable 104, the Household 80, Sir Wm. Harbert 99, Mr. Norres and Ric. Blount 80, [Sir Edm. Baynton 94], (fn. n1) Sir John St. Cloo 110, John Gates 97, Thos. Carden 200, Geo. Harper 78. Total 3,073.
	In Mason's hand, pp. 2. Endd.: To remayn with the King in Boulloyn.
13 Sept.	224. French Trade.
R.O.	Licence by Charles de Moy, seigneur de La Mailleraye, to François de Rieux and Alvaro de Latour, merchants and burgesses of Rouen, to send a ship named L'Eaperit of Vateville, of 65 tons, Toussains Fleury, master, to Portugal for purposes of trade. 13 Sept. 1544. Signed.
	French, p. 1. Seal lost.
13 Sept.	225. The Town of Nbufchatbl to the Duke op Longueville.
Balcarres MS. Adv.Lib.Edin. ii. 73.	Have received a letter sent them by his lacquey from the duchess of Guise, his grandmother, "concernant la laudation des moyens cy devant advisez avec Monsieur vottre Lieutenant pour le bien et pacification des affaires," of which they are very glad. Have accordingly been heard "en compte" and come to a settlement with the Lieutenant, and hope the matter of the contracts will be rid at the coming of the Sieur de Pequillion (Puyguillon). Have willingly made a present to the Lieutenant for her. Neufchastel, 13 Sept. '44. Signed: Quattres ministraulx, Conseil et communaulte de vostre dite ville dudit Neufchastel.
	Hol., Fr. pp. 2. Add. Endd.: Messieurs du Conte de Neufchastel.
14 Sept.	226. Shrewsbury and Others to the Queen and Council.
Add. MS. 32,655, f. 184. B.M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 321.	Enclose letters received from Wharton, with others to him from Casselles, Dunlaneryk, Robert Maxwell and an espial, a letter to the King from Casselles and one from Robert Maxwell to his father (directed to the Constable of the Tower). Wrote lately that they would advertise what money of the King's Mr. Shelley has. He has l,400l., which, with the 2,000l. they look for daily, will furnish next month's wages and leave an overplus towards another pay. Darneton, 14 Sept. Signed by Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler.
	In Sadler's hand, p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
14 Sept.	227. Shrewsbury and Others to the Queen and Council.
Add. MS. 32,655, f. 186. B.M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 322.	After despatching their letters this morning, a letter arrived from the Warden of the East Marches to Shrewsbury, with another to Sadler from George Dowglas (both herewith). If it be true that Arrayn or the Cardinall intend so to pass into France, it "were too good a booty to be lost." And if Arrayn fell into the King's hands, such holds as he has in Scotland might be had, viz. Dunbarre, Edinburgh, Black Nashe and others. Darneton, 14 Sept. Signed by Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler.
	In Sadler's hand, p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
14 Sept.	228. The Council with the King to the Council with the Queen.
R.O. St. P., x. 69.	The bearer, Sir William Herbert, whom the King sends to declare his conquest of Boulleyn to the Queen, will tell them all that may be written. Lately signified the King's pleasure for the sending over of 4,000 footmen; who are now to be stayed, but to remain ready to march at an hour's warning. Boullogne, 14 Sept. 1544. Signed.
	P.S.—If money for coats and conduct of any of the 4,000 is already delivered they are to be sent over and the rest stayed.
	In Mason's hand, p. 1. Endd.
14 Sept.	229. De Courrieres and Chapuys to Charles V.
R.O. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 197.]	About midday on the 11th inst., arrived Mons. d'Arras and, as instructed, communicated his charge to them. The King, being then decided to cause fire to be put in a mine of the castle and to make trial how his men would acquit themselves in a case of need (besoing), could not give audience to D'Arras; but gave it next day very graciously in presence of the writers, who, as commanded, were present at his communications, as well with the King as the Council, in which he acquitted himself very well, and to the satisfaction of the company. From him the Emperor will learn the discourse of the said communications and the King's full resolution and intention upon the principal points of his charge better than they could write. Camp before Boulongne, 14 Sept. 1544.
	Fr. Modern transcript of the original at Vienna, p. 1.
14 Sept.	230. Norfolk, Eussell and Cheyney to Henry VIII.
R.O. St. P., x. 69.	Yesternight learnt the giving up of Boleyne, which will marvelously redound to the King's honor. Thanks for word received by the earl of Surrey that they shall be reinforced for the winning of this town; and beg him to hasten it, as the siege cannot continue long, if only for lack of forage, for which they have already to send six or seven miles. The corn now on the ground begins to shake out of the ear, and soon nothing will remain but straw, and the country for 12 miles round is wasted and the people fled; so that "no corn is reaped and put in barns or stacks." Numbers of their soldiers daily fall sick and the horses die. Think that this town is in great necessity, for many eat horseflesh and some of the gentlemen, Italians, are "glad to eat of a cat well larded and call it dainty meat." From the camp before Monstrell, 14 Sept. Signed. (Cheyney's signature almost lost.)
	P. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
15 Sept.	231. The Council with the Queen to the Council with the King.
R.O.	Send, by the Queen's command, letters and advertisements received out of the North. Where Sir George Douglas writes of the coming of another herald from the Dowager of Scotland, have answered that the lord Lieutenant shall stay the herald, and forward his letters and credence (if any) to the King. Forbear to answer the other part of his letter (where he desires Mr. Sadlyer or some other sent to him to Barwyke) until they know the King's pleasure. Where it appears by Sir Ralph Eure's letters of the 9th inst. that the burning of Mewrehouse may be difficult, they have written to the lord Lieutenant to do what may seem feasible in such sort that the end may be as honorable to the King as other proceedings there have of late been.
	Enclose a letter to the lord Chancellor from Portsmouth, showing how the Frenchmen have lately annoyed these coasts by taking the poor fishermen, and, as their two pinnaces are now by mischance lost, begging aid of the King. By these letters and the advertisements therewith it appears what unreasonable ransoms the Frenchmen begin to set upon such Englishmen as they take. Ask whether the toleration granted to the Frenchmen in the West may be extended to other parts of the realm (where are "divers aged and impotent Frenchmen which be not entered in the books signed by his Majesty, and like to perish in the streets") so that they may remain "without danger to such as shall keep the same." Are wearied with their continual clamor. Oking, 15 Sept. 1544. Signed by Canterbury, Wriothesley, Westminster and Petre.
	P. 2. Add. Endd.
R.O.	2. Draft of the above in Petre's hand.
	Pp.2.
	232. Archbishop Lee.
Harl. MS. 423, ff. 148- 200. B.M.	A collection of lives of Saints, and other narratives beginning with "The life of one Paule, written by Heraclides" and "The Paradyse or garden of Heraclides, Eremite bishop of Palestine." Apparently translated by Abp. Lee.
	In Abp. Lee's hand, pp. 105.
[15 Sept.]	233. Henry VIII. to Charles V.
R.O.	Has learnt his news and health by bearer, the bp. of Arras, who now returns to him with Henry's opinion and intention, and also news, as will be more amply learnt from the ambassador resident.
	Fr. Modern transcript of holograph original at "Vienna, p. 1.
[15] Sept.	234. Henry VIII. to Wotton.
R.O. St. P., x. 71.	Thanks for his lettters of 31 Aug. and the 6th inst. by Mons. Darras, who reported offers of peace proponed by the Admiral and other envoys of the French king, and desired that the Emperor might know what conditions would content Henry, and further that, if not inclined to peace, he would cause his army to march forward to meet the Emperor's at Paris. Wotton shall immediately obtain access to the Emperor and declare that (whereas the Admiral has offered, as Darras reports, to restore to the Emperor and the duke of Savoy, incontinently, all places taken by the French king since the last wars, to assist the Emperor against the Turk with 600 men of arms and 10,000 footmen or their pay, and, if the Emperor will give the Princess of Spain in marriage to the duke of Orleans, with the Low Countries, or King Ferdinand's second daughter with the duchy of Mylan, to restore all that ever he holds of the Emperor's and duke of Savoy's, and pay Henry his arrears, part in hand and part at days, and abide the Emperor's order in the payment of his pension hereafter) Henry will signify his friendly opinion, and, notwithstanding that the French king has sent the cardinal of Bellaye, the premier president of Rowen and the secretary Laubespine, the chief treasurer of finances, to treat with him for peace, advertise the Emperor (as he has partly done by Arras) in what sort he means to agree to the peace. Considering what these wars have cost the Emperor, and what great things he is content to give in a marriage with the second son of France, the eldest having issue male alive, this party is scant honorable to the Emperor; and least of all the overture for the marriage of the Princess of Spain, who is, after the Prince, the Emperor's heir, besides that the foregoing of the Low Countries should be a detriment to the rest of his dominions;—Henry's advice is neither to marry such an heir to a duke of Orleans nor to give with her so great a jewel as the Nether Country. The marriage of the King of Romans' daughter, albeit the dower is too large, seems preferable; for, Milan pertaining to the Empire, the descent of it may after the Emperor's decease come in controversy, and its keeping is costly, whereas the Low Country is the Emperor's certain inheritance and easily guardable. The offers for Henry's part are so meagre and so far under what is offered already that the Emperor will hardly counsel their acceptance. Is already here offered his arrears out of hand and his damages by the war and continuance of his pension, with hostages for the same, disposal of Ardre and its territories, and "to cause the Scots to be ordered in reason by us"; and if the French further renounce their claim to Bulloyn and Bullongnois, which is now in Henry's possession, and surrender the whole county of Guisnes, he will condescend to an agreement, or, if the pension seem a perpetual burden to the French king, will accept the county of Pontheu and Monstreal with the territory, although he is "like very shortly to win the same," in lieu of the pension. Henry desires the Emperor to stick to him for one of these two overtures, but, if the Emperor may thereby the better make his bargain, would be content to remit the damages. From the conferences with Bellay and the others it appears "that they will incline to the same and more." Whereas, in case the peace go not forward, the Emperor would have Henry's army march towards Paris; it has been necessary to take up towns which might not well be passed as the Emperor has done, so that the season may not now serve to go thither, and the country besides is too devastated to supply victuals, and the carriages here too few (out of Flanders a competent number never could be had, and they were too weak even in summer) and the Almain horsemen both of Henry's solde and the Emperor's unwilling to lie any longer abroad. Their armies therefore cannot join nor come to each other's relief. And (Wotton shall add if the Emperor seems still unsatisfied) that by the treaty Henry is not bound to continue the invasion longer than four months, which will expire shortly after Michaelmas.
	Wotton shall devise, by himself or with Granvelle's advice, to send the answer he receives with diligence, and shall urge Granvelle, whose goodwill Henry highly appreciates, "to put his hand unto the things" that they may take effect honorable to both sides, as Henry, but for the Emperor's sake, would not agree without greater conditions; nor will agree for any conditions that can be offered by the French King, unless the Emperor is satisfied.
	Draft, pp. 6. Endd.: M. of the Kinges Ma^tes l're to Mr. Wootton,–––––(blank) Septembris 1544.
	235. Du Bellay's Negotiations.
R.O. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 222.]	"Les offres que le Cardinal de Belay, le premier president de Rouen, le secretaire de L'Aubespyne et le tresorier des Finances, envois de par le Roy de France, ont faict au Roy mon maistre," viz.:—
	To pay the arrears of the pension at once. To continue its payment in future. To pay the expenses of these wars. To hand over the town and territory of Ardre. To make the Scots submit to reason, or else abandon them. To give hostages for the above.
	"Ce que le Roy mon maistre requiert d'avoir, oultre les offres dessusdits," viz.:—
	That the king of France renounce all title to Boulogne and the Boulognois, and hand over the whole county of Guisnes. If the continual payment of the pension seem grievous, my master will accept in lieu of it the town and territory of Monstreul with the county of Ponthieu (which otherwise he hopes shortly to get). And hostages for the above.
	Fr. Modern copy from Vienna, p. 1. Headed: Piece ajouté à la lettre du 6 Octobre 1544.
R.O. St. P., x. 219.	2. The articles upon which the ambassadors of the Most Christian King desire to know the intention of the King of England.
	If he will not maintain the former treaties and have the pension paid according to them? The terms he will agree to for payment of the arrears, and the hostages he demands both for that and the pension? What he demands for interest; and to grant possible and reasonable terms for its payment? What he demands touching Ardres? What he wishes with regard to the Scots, the honor of the King his brother guarded? If he does not intend, provided that the treaty of peace is made now, to restore the town of Boullongne? And since he thought that the King should make some offers to the Emperor, whether he does not think (from what he has heard from Mons. d'Arras) that the King has sufficiently satisfied that?
	French, p. 1. Endd.: Th'articles whereupon the French ambassadors desired to know the King's Majesty's pleasure.
Spanish Calendar, vii. 245.	3. The above described from a MS. at Vienna.
R.O. St. P., x. 64.	4."Capita conditionum quas petit invictis. et potentis. Anglie Rex a Serenis. Francorum Rege."
	1. To give up friendship and intelligence with the Turk. 2. To pay the arrears of the pension, half next Christmas and half at the Christmas following, and henceforth to pay the pension (both that for the King's life and the perpetual) at the regular terms. 3. To give Arde and the county of Guisnes to the King of England as an indemnity. 4. To renounce the friendship of the Scots. 5. To leave in peaceful possession of the King of England and his successors Bologne and any other places which shall be in his hands when the treaty is struck. 6. To fully satisfy the Emperor, if that is not already done. 7. That, as soon as the King of England is assured that the Emperor is satisfied and that the French king accepts the conditions of peace and gives hostages, he will cease hostilities. 8. That the French king shall give as hostages for the above, six noblemen, the least to be earls or barons, and worth 7,000 cr. or 6,000 cr. rent. 9. That, until other hostages are sent, the King of England will hold the Cardinal and his colleagues as hostages.
	Let. Draft, pp. 2.
	236. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
R.O. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 198.]	* * * *
	. . . . . . .we could wait upon him jointly with Mons^r d'Arras who, as he was advertised, ought to arrive within two hours after midday, as he did.
	Madame, the said Sieur d'Arras has communicated twice in our presence (of Mons. de Courrieres and me) with the said King, and once with those of the Council; and after having pertinently and dexterously explained the commission of which he advertised your Majesty from Monstreul, his report of the King's answer is, in effect, that the said King is resolved, because the season is so advanced, not to cause his army to march, for also it was impossible even if he wished it, and the time capitulated (as the Council said) for keeping the armies in the field would expire in ten or fifteen days, blaming (mordant) somewhat the Emperor's putting himself so dangerously far into the country (being moved to say so probably to excuse his own neglect of the capitulation in that respect and to colour his abode here).
	The King does not like the offers, especially that concerning the marriage of the Princess of Spain with the Duke of Orleans, and [said?] that the crown of Spain might come to the said Princess, besides that he thought that the Low Countries would not be content to have a lord such as Orleans; indeed he said, the last time we spoke to him, that it would be great shame for the Emperor to accept the otters made by the French, who could not offer him more prejudicial or ignominious conditions if he was a prisoner in their hands. He would advise the Emperor to retire without concluding anything, since he was not far from the frontiers; and if need were he would favour the retreat by marching some of his own men. The marriage of Orleans with the second daughter (seconde genite) of the king of the Romans, with the estate of Millan, would be more tolerable; for the successors (i.e. of the Emperor) not having to be emperors, the state of Millan would not concern them. The King did not much praise the Emperor's insistance upon the restitution of Mons. de Savoy's countries, since the French wished to sell them so dear; in which he is partly excused by his not knowing the importance of the said restitution, but he could not be excused in regard to honour. He is not satisfied with the French offers to the Emperor for his satisfaction, saying that they had already offered him to pay the arrears down and give Monstreul, Boullogne and Ardres for assurance of the pension, and moreover to leave the amity of Scotland. It is true, he said, that they wished him, in exchange for the said places, to renounce the pension, which he refused; but, in confidence (to be declared only to the Emperor and Grantvelle), he would be content, for the Emperor's sake, to gratify the French therein, that the Emperor might make better terms. Gave him little thanks, reminding him that he had already made that offer (office qu. offre?) to the French by the summons (sommation) made to their ambassador under the treaty of closer amity. (fn. n2) The newly come French ambassadors have not yet made any offer, except in general terms to the commissioner whom he sent to them, saying that they were charged first to speak to him; and therefore he has today made them come here, hoping to draw from them fully the King of France's intention. After having represented to him that the French were giving him to understand that the French king would entirely satisfy him, reminding him several times of the necessity that the Emperor had of resolving in the matter of peace, "puisqu'il ne soit question quil ne vouloit entendre a la guerre sans luy dilayer laffere, ny povoir envoyer de pardeca," the King resolved that the Emperor might conclude in that which touched himself, save that he should treat nothing prejudicial to the amity between them, or to the treaty made thereupon, and that the same should be done on his side. Would not omit to inform her that, about the end of their communication today, the King called the duke of Suffolk, who, upon some words which he had misunderstood, let fall that it would be unreasonable for the King to give up this place which had cost him so much; at which the King who had spoken before of Monstreul and Ardres showed displeasure and frowned upon (fn. n3) him a little sternly. Wish that the King had resolved to deal with the French ambassadors, absolutely, of the peace in what concerns him, (without giving his ambassador charge, to make pursuit therein with the Emperor), in order to take away all occasion of resentment, especially when they know that he intends the Emperor to demand an advantageous condition for him which would not be demanded of those here; but the haste of D'Arras's return and occupations of those here would not permit it.
	The day that D'Arras arrived, a mine in the castle wall was fired, as aforesaid, which had little effect and the King was very dissatisfied with the effort of the English, fearing because of the repulse of his men, not to carry this town so soon as he thought. However, on the morrow the townsmen began to parley and on the 3rd (13th?) two captains of the town came out to grant its surrender, which today, about vespers, was surrendered upon conditions which the writers think to send with this or at least by the first, with particular account of the departure of those who were within, and of those left there; ["quant a l'artillerie et victuailles, pour quoy semble quilz ont emporte la pluspart de la reste et leurs enseignes ployees."] (fn. n4).
	There were within the town about 1,300 soldiers, strangers, and of the town and [district] about 600 men ablê to carry arms. The cause of surrender seems to have been inability to endure longer the battery of the artillery, which has fired more than 100,000 shots, and moreover, the English had footing in the wall in divers places. Besides, they had not been required by the King of France to sustain the siege more than six weeks, and had already sustained it eight. As for the artillery and victuals, they have left much wine, wheat and salt meat within, but little powder [or?] cannon; so it seems that they have carried away most of the rest and their standards folded.
	It seems that the King reckons to go in person to Monstreul, hoping to carry it forthwith, which would be a good work for all respects, as she can best consider.
	"Suppliant, etc." (indicating the ordinary conclusion of a letter).
	Fr., pp. 4. Modern transcript of an extract (at Vienna) of a letter undated.
15 Sept.	237. Norfolk, Russell, and Cheyney to the Council with the King.
R.O.	Received their letters yesternight showing that the Frenchmen out of Boleyne are to be conveyed in surety to Abbeville, who should be this night at Estaples, and that the writers are to give them victuals and take hostages for the carriages, or else a safe-conduct from Mons. de Vandosme. Vendosme's safe-conduct cannot be had, "for he is gone to his house of Alafarre, to the burying of his uncle the Countye Saynte Poull." The Council's said letters neither mention what number they are, what carriages they have, nor who convoys them, for which points the writers have now sent to them. "We think it had been much better they had been sent by Tyrwayne than this way." We will detain the strangers who come with them, not doubting but that you have taken order for it; "praying God we may find the horsemen of a better sort than we fear we shall do."
	Where required to advertise what they lack; they need 600 or 700 pioneers with tools, for without pioneers they cannot come where battery must be made, and now there are in both camps scant 200 pioneers able to work. Then they must have 6 or 8 cannons with powder and bullets,and (as both horsemen and footmen here sicken and die in great numbers) a good number of English footmen; also experienced men are needed to order the trenches and battery, for here are only Browne and Caundysche
	The rains since Friday have been so excessive that both the waters at Estaples and the other water 7 miles thence towards Abbevile, called-––––––(blank), are not passable, so that we shall be compelled to bring them near to this camp." The King should know the words used by Mons. de Bewers to Norfolk yesterday in reply to Norfolk's hope that the Emperor was well furnished with money for his journey, viz., "We have granted him in these Low Parts a new help, but it is not come to him nor can not, he being so far advanced in France; wherefore, being unfurnished of money, he did call unto him, or he came near unto Shalons, all the noblemen and coronells of his army and showed them his lack, saying 'I require your help herein to content the men of war, and I promise you upon the faith of a prince, as soon as I may have my money come to me I shall content and pay every man all that I shall be owing him, and for the surety thereof I will lay my own person to pledge in your hands'; whereunto their answer was that, he being their sovereign lord, "they would never take him as pledge, but, only upon his words, would bind themselves to all their companies for their payments."
	There shall be no lack of bruiting of the King's coming hither. Camp before Monstrel, 15 Sept. Signed.