BHO

Henry VIII: October 1544, 1-6

Pages 197-214

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.

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October 1544, 1-5

1 Oct. 341. Helland, Cornwall.
R.O. Lease by John Wyndeslade to Humph. Arundell, of Hellond, and Giles his bastard son, of two tenements in the parish of Hellond; for 90 years, at 21s. rent. 1 Oct. 36 Hen. VIII.
Lat. Copy, pp. 3. Slightly mutilated.
1 Oct. 342. Charles V. to De Courrieres and Chapuys.
R.O.
[Spanish
Calendar,
vii. 216.]
Received, the day before yesterday, on arriving at Mons, their letters of the 26th and 27th ult.; and, being on the move (de chemin), will answer succinctly that, as to their proceedings with the King of England and his ministers upon the subject of the Emperor's letters of the 20th and 22nd, touching the treaty which he has made with France and the objection made to it there, they have answered well; and indeed the Emperor has given the King no cause for dissatisfaction, and has since continued to observe the treaty between the King and him and the amity between them. As to Secretary Paget's saying that Almains from the Emperor's army had gone to that of France, it will be found that the Emperor has been at great pains and cost to prevent that; and has always insisted to the French, and especially to cardinals and other good personages who have come to him from the king of France, that he would not go outside the treaty of England, either touching the revocation of the Sieur de Buren or other things for which they made instance. As to the objection that, in treating with France, he ought to have settled that their army and that of England should retire, God knows he would have desired it, and that all their differences should be pacified, but the King of England has always said openly that he wished to treat his own affair himself and felt sure of carrying Boulongne and Montureul, and repeated this when the bp. of Arras was with him. That is the reason why the French have marched their army thither, determined, as they say, to recover Boulongne even if they should lose six battles. As to the last articles delivered by the King, to which he would desire the Emperor to make the king of France condescend, he has pressed these articles and the "appoinctement" upon the Admiral of France [and] the Cardinals of Lorayne and Tournon (who has the principal management of affairs), but they insist always that the conditions are unbearable.
To come to the point; after thoroughly considering their letters, the Emperor yesterday, made Grantvelle tarry at Mons for the Cardinal of Tournon, who came thither about 11 a.m. with whom Grantvelle, in presence of the Sieur de Morette, passed what appears by the copy of the article written thereupon to the bp. of Arras,—to the end that the king of France may at once send back his ambassadors for the pacification, that it may be made and both armies retire; in which both you and he shall assist to the utmost if the said embassy is sent (as Tournon was sure it would be) and both parties are reasonable. The principal point will be touching Boulongne, of which your letters make no mention; for if the King of England insists on retaining it the King of France will not condescend thereto. The said article shows what Tournon said of this yesterday, and it is to be feared that it will be difficult to induce him to leave it in the King of England's hands, even as security for the debt, not at any rate with liberty to fortify it; you will be able, however, to scent out what can be done therein with the King of England. The representations made by the Cardinal and Morrette thereupon are that it is a thing quite contrary to to the treaties between France and England, indeed repugnant to the claim of pension, that the king of France would on no account accept the shame of losing territory of the crown and especially a piece of that quality, that the King of England should take example by the Emperor, who restores the pieces which he lately occupied, that it is a thing which cannot accord with peace, and that, if the King of England insist upon it, the king of France will be unable to apply himself to the remedy of the public affairs of Christendom. Also it is certain that if the King of England repass into his realm the said French ambassadors will not go thither, being already indignant, especially Cardinal de Belay (as he told Arras), that they were detained about six days notwithstanding their safe-conduct. In truth the King, by waiting for them here, could in treating (which would be best), or again, without finishing the treaty, withdraw more honourably, and perhaps more safely, under the shadow of the said communication (in consideration of which an abstinence from war might be made for some days, if means could not be so soon found of withdrawing the armies altogether) and he could take his own time. If, nevertheless, he resolves to cross, he must leave some of his principal servants to treat; for the ambassadors of France would not deal with men of small quality, nor would it befit the affair and the office which we desire to do therein by means of the bp. of Arras and you. Pending his coming you shall be watchful herein.
The said French cardinals say that the Sieur de Buren, in the retreat from Montureul, was lodged apart; which probably was for lack of forage, danger of plague or other reasonable cause. You must, with him, see that he deals so with the English that they may have the same satisfaction with him as they have shown hitherto; seeking, nevertheless, without contravening the treaty, to free us from the expense of the pay of his men, whether the English retire altogether or make an abstinence, but with due regard to the safety of the said men. This is important, for both the Emperor and Queen of Hungary write to Buren to follow their advice therein.
As to their excuses for not passing into England; if the King waits for the said communication another personage shall be provided to reside with him; but if he should wish to pass forthwith it will be necessary, especially because of the representations made thereupon by Secretary Paget, that De Courrieres pass with him (and within fifteen days another will be provided) while Chapuys attends to the said communications, with the bp. of Arras, because of his knowledge and experience of affairs. Has, in conversation, found the Cardinal of Lorayne in favour of an abstinence from war. This would be a good thing, and notably for the King of England, as giving opportunity for the retirement of both armies or making a longer truce for the appeasement of all differences, in which, if there remained anything wherein the Emperor could intervene with the good will of both parties, he would do his utmost, and he has charged Grantvelle to speak of it with Tournon, "actendu en ce lieu, pour vous advertir de ce qu'il en entendra, et semblablement d'escripre audit evesque d'Arras."
Fr., pp. 6. Modern transcript of the original minute at Vienna, headed Aux ambassadeurs en Angleterre, dois Ahault(?) le premier d'Octobre 1544.
343. Charles V. to Henry VIII. (fn. n1)
R.O.
St. P., x, 101.
Immediately upon receiving answer from my ambassadors touching the pacification between you and the King of France, I communicated with the cardinals of Loreyne and Tournon and despatched expressly to the bp. of Aras to move the King of France, to whom I write most earnestly (tresafectueusement), to send back his ambassadors to you; and that the bishop himself make all haste to go to you. I write fully to my ambassadors.
French. Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1544.
2 Oct. 344. De Courrieres and Chapuys to Charles V.
R.O.
[Spanish
Calendar,
vii. 218.]
The day before yesterday, after dinner, accompanying this King to his embarkation, had conversation with him to the same effect as they wrote last; and, especially, he said that, whatever peace there might be, he had no doubt that the Emperor would observe the treaty, and he was astonished that the Emperor did not exhort the King of France to withdraw his army, since he (Henry) had withdrawn his from before Monstreul by the Emperor's advice, who, if the French continued, would, by the treaty be bound to assist him. Assured him of the continuance of the Emperor's entire amity and said, in general terms, that the Emperor would not fail in anything that he had promised; to which the King answered that he was always given fine words and would like to see the effect. The King showed no resentment at the peace, and was more open with them than before. Think this partly owing to gladness that his army of Monstreul was come hither without loss by the way, notwithstanding some little allarmes. And hereupon he highly praised Mons. de Buren, as a virtuous gentleman and prince, and begged the writers to thank him and write of him to the Emperor. The King repeated what Secretary Paiget had said as to the writers' withdrawal; and, at his request, they agreed to remain here with the majority of his Council, as the two Dukes, the Privy Seal, Winchester, the treasurers of the Household and of the Wars, the Controller and certain others; and he preferred this to their remaining with himself, "pour occurrences que povoient succeder."
This morning Norfolk and Winchester came to tell us how the French had made their principal assembly beside Ardres and had passed five standards through Bredenarde, where they were as welcome as in the midst France; and as the country where the French are and are reported to be going is all wasted, they could not last two days without the Emperor's country furnishing them with victuals, which would be contrary to all reason, honour, treaties and amity. And they preyed us to write of it, at once and earnestly to the Emperor, the Queen and others; declaring that they were determined to abide battle if the French wished it. They make great haste to fortify their camps here, "avec bon espoir que lesdits Françis n'y gaigneront gueres." A good number of footmen are still here, but much fewer horsemen, and yet it is to be feared that those who remain will be ill-furnished with forage. They have dismissed most of the wagoners of the Emperor's country; whose dismissal was a little late, for the French were already in the field, and therefore we have thought good to send a trumpet to the French camp for their assurance, and it would be well if your Majesty sent to them. The ships of war, of which we last wrote, after taking the King to Dover, are returned hither for our advice what to do; and we have advised them to stay here at present, as the best way to gratify the King, until the Emperor commands otherwise. Boullongne, 2 Oct. 1544.
Fr. Modern transcript of the original at Vienna, pp. 3.
2 Oct. 345. Shrewsbury and Others to the Queen and Council.
Add. MS.
32.655, f. 209.
B.M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No.329.
Enclose letters received from the Wardens of the East and Middle Marches. Thomas Gower brought them with a credence in writing (herewith). As it appears in one of the said letters (from the captain of Norham to lord Evers) that the Scots intend to burn Holie Eland, and the bulwark there is decayed, Gower (who is a forward man) has already set men to repair it. The cost will not exceed 20 nobles. Good watch shall be kept, and if the Scots land (which we believe not) it shall be "little to their commodity." It appears also by the said letters that the Scots have taken many Hollanders upon the seas. That should provoke the Emperor, who, if it be true that they have ships and goods at Camphire, may soon be even with them. A letter (herewith) from my lord President shows what the said Scottish ships have done on this coast. If we might help it here they should not long keep the seas.
P.S., in Sadler's hand.—Enclose letters just arrived from the lord Warden of the West Marches, with others from Cassilles to his pledges, which she may return hither if they seem meet to be delivered. The messenger that brought them is stayed at Carlisle. Darneton, 2 Oct. Signed by Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1544.
Ib. f. 211. 2. The credence of Thomas Gower above referred to, viz.:—
To know my lord Lieutenant's pleasure for the repair of the bulwark at Holy Iland, and the order to be taken if Huntley and Angus invade. The inhabiters of Coldyngham offer to be sworn to the King; and if a captain (and garrison) be laid there they will be at his command. How to answer if any gentlemen of Scotland make like offer? Touching payment of the 20 pioneers who have served in last journeys, and of 17 cart horses for carriage of ordnance which have continued 14 days; my lord Warden thinks that as many soldiers might leave as would amount to the cost of these horses and pioneers. Of the wages of Berwyke unpaid, above 400l., there is great need.
P. 1.
3 Oct. 346. The Privy Council to Wotton.
R.O.
St. P., x.94.
The King, having received your sundry letters, as you were advertised by me, the Secretary, and heard also from the Emperor's late ambassadors of his proceedings with the French king, requires you, with his hearty commendations, to tell the Emperor that (being informed that he has made peace with the French king without his consent as the treaty requires, and that, after withdrawing his army from Monstreul by the Emperor's advice, his people are assailed by the French king, and his town of Boulloyn menaced, whereby he is bound still to entertain his forces at great charge) his Majesty commands you to signify that albeit, by advancing so far into France, he was fain to make such an accord with the French as he might, and has afterwards, in respect of getting possession of Landrecy, forborne to tender his friend's cause; now that he is clear of the French king's danger and has possession of Landrecy, the King trusts that he will proceed with the French king as the amity and treaty require. That the King has so proceeded the Frenchmen will report, and the King's letters to the French king and last articles of demands, sent to Wotton, declare. Where they ground a great piece of their proceedings upon Mons. Darras's report that the King said that the Emperor should make as good an end for himself as he could, the King gave no other credence to Darras than that he thought it least ill for the Emperor to embrace the overture for Milan. Even if he had said as Darras reported, treaties, being made in writing, are not wont to be changed by simple words; howbeit the King thinks Darras a man of too much honesty to report him to have said anything whereby the treaty might be altered. The credence was sent to Wotton to declare, and the King never meant that a peace should be fully concluded by either until both were satisfied, although he thought it not amiss (as the Emperor's ambassadors first suggested) that each should drive the bargain as near as he could for himself, and the Emperor sent hither the demands which he would have the King make for him, and the King sent his first demands by Mons. Tourcoyn and declared the last to Darras and wrote them to Wotton. Seeing that the French king has bound himself to stand to the Emperor's arbitrament, and the Emperor knows the King's demands (which are less than the treaty allows), Wotton shall pray him to press the French King forthwith to accomplish them, and in case of refusal or delay declare the French king enemy.
As both the Emperor's ambassadors here have taken leave, and the world must marvel that at this time both depart without being replaced, Wotton shall move the Emperor to send an ambassador hither. If the Emperor speak for any compromising of the matter to be made by the King, Wotton shall say that he has already been advertised what the King will be content with, which he trusts that the Emperor will see performed, or else declare the French king enemy. Leedes, in Kent, 3 Oct. 1544.
Draft, pp. 3. Endd.: Mynute to Mr. Wootton from the Counsayle.
4 Oct. 347. The Privy Council to the Council at Boulogne.
R.O.
St. P., x. 96.
The King marvels to hear that they are all removed with his army towards Calais without first knowing his pleasure. Excuse, he says, they have none, being commanded by him to remain, and order being taken that the town and army should have victuals and money. If the Dolphine was making towards Guisnes it had been enough to have sent the ordnance and men to Guisnes and Calais that he appointed you, my lords of Suffolk and Privy Seal, which might well have been done as some of the 4,000 men last prepared were arrived; and if the Dolphine had gone to besiege Guisnes it had been more warlike to have suffered him to go thither and then caused him to remove when he could not take his ordnance with him. They must return to Bulloyn and encamp there according to the King's appointment with Suffolk and my lord Privy Seal.
As to the bastilion of earth which it is feared that the enemies might make on the other side of the water, such an army as you are, making your bastilion as the King appointed, and two platforms upon the Old Church, should have given the enemies small rest in their bastilion. We think that you should satisfy his Majesty touching your proceedings with all diligence. Otford, 4 Oct., 7 p.m. Signed by Cranmer, Wriothesley, Hertford, Westminster, Paget and Petre.
In Petre's hand, with corrections by Paget, pp. 2. Add.
R.O. 2. First draft of the above in Paget's hand, with the following additional matter: —
In case they would allege that in the dark of the moon the enemies might come down and burn their victuallers, the King thinks that they might foresee to take victuals out of the ships in the daytime and before night send them out to sea to ride at anchor till the morning. These things foreseen, and his appointed order taken for Calais and Guisnes, they might have accomplished the King's determination for Bullen in time for the rescue of Calais and Guisnes. As his Majesty, before departing, signified his pleasure for the entertainment of Mons. de Buren and the Almayns, he marvels that they have not advertised whether De Buren is departed, or what order is taken with him and the rest.
Pp. 3. Endd.: A mynute of a letter to the Counsayl at Bulleyn, 4 Octobris, ao 1544.
4 Oct. 348. Shrewsbury and Others to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,655,f. 214.
B.M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No 330.
Enclose a letter from the Warden of the East Marches. This morning, received a letter from the Privy Council with the joyful news of his arrival at Dover, and requiring some boats sent to sea to learn the number, &c., of the Scottish ships hovering on this coast. Have before advertised the Queen of all that could be learnt of them, and have now sent to Hull and Barwycke to make forth two boats. Have sent to New-castle also, but the plague has there reigned so sore that all the honest inhabitants are fled, and none left that has ship, boat or mariner. Plague reigns very sore in most of Northumberland and sundry other places of the North. Hear many tales of the Scottish ships, but there are not past three ships of war, viz., the Mary Willoughbie; Lyon and Andrew. The rest are small merchant ships, in all 18 or 20, some French. Darneton, 4 Oct. 1544. Signed by Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
4 Oct. 349. Shrewsbury and Others to Henry VIII.
Add. MS.
32,655,f. 188.
B.M.
Hamilton
Papers,
ii., No 330.
Enclose letters received this night from the Wardens of the East, West and Middle Marches, of their exploits and intelligences. Certain of the Hollanders lately taken on the seas by John a Barton and the Scottish ships are come hither reporting that the Scots took at least 24 sail of Hollanders, fishermen, which are conveyed to Legh, by John a Barton, and to Dundee; and the meaner of the Hollanders are sent home to make the ransoms of the rest. John a Barton in the Mary Willoughby and two other sail came with these prizes to Legh (where these men left him eight days ago) intending to victual and return to the seas. There were two good ships of war well furnished and of the burden of 200 at the least, viz. the Lyon and the Mary Willoughbie; the rest were small vessels and slenderly furnished. The Hollanders saw but 7 sail and heard that there were in all 16 or 17. Darneton, 4 Oct., 10 p.m. Signed by Shrewsbury, Tunstall and Sadler.
In Sadler's hand, pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1544.
4 Oct. 350. Lorges to the Queen of Scotland.
Balcarres MS.
iii. 61.
Adv. Lib.
Edin.
Supposes she knows by this time the agreement made between the Emperor and the King. Thinks it more God's work than man's. For once, each of them declares he is satisfied. The King of England would not be comprehended; "mais je croy n'est maintenant a s'en repantir." He has withdrawn from before Montreul in the greatest disorder, leaving two pieces of his artillery, and is about Boulogne. The Dauphin is near at hand with our army, awaiting the fleet, which will be there in three or four days to give him battle. Wrote all news by the ambassadors, who, he understands, were not able for a long time to find passage. Believes, however, they are now there and have shown her the goodwill the King has towards her and the Queen her daughter, though he has not been able hitherto to send them the succour he would have wished. Believes he will be able to do it better now. He is very sorry for the troubles she has had and the disputes among the lords there, which he heard yesterday she had settled to the best of her power. Amyens, 4 Oct. Signed.
Fr., pp. 2. Add.: A la Royne d'Escosse. Endd.
5 Oct. 351. Victualling of Calais and Boulogne.
Harl. MS.
442, f. 209.
B. M.
Precept to the sheriff of Kent to make proclamation licensing free export of victuals to Calais, Boulogne and elsewhere under certain stated conditions. The King, having returned to England, desires to have his noblemen and others who are left in possession of his towns of Boulogne, &c., well furnished. Oteforth, 5 Oct. 36 Hen. VIII.
Modern copy, pp. 2.
Soc. of Ant. 2. Another modern copy.
Procl., ii. 142. P. 1.
5 Oct. 352. The Privy Council to Norfolk and Others.
R.O. To your lordship's letters of the 5th (sic) the King wills us to answer (albeit upon knowledge of your departure from Bulleyn he commanded us yesternight to advertise you of his pleasure, which shall in any wise be accomplished) touching the bastilion which, upon consultation with Sir Ric. Lee, Rogers and Candysshe, was thought not feasible. Although 1,000 or 2,000 men could not have defended it, yet if you, my lords of Norfolk and Privy Seal, had encamped "upon the top of the hill of the other side of the water," and you, my lord of Suffolk, about the Old Man, you might have defended the haven and Basse Bulleyn, and also letten the Frenchmen from making any other bastilion there; whereas by your all coming away, contrary to his Highness's command, these places are like to be burnt and the King's victuals to serve his enemies. As the King thinks his honor touched if his army should now retire at his enemies' coming to the field, you shall, unless you have certain knowledge of the Dolphin's coming to Guisnes, repair to Bulleyn, and there by your diligence "partly redubb that which is past," and not depart thence until you know the King's pleasure. For a plainer declaration of the King's pleasure touching the making of the bastilion, the lying in Basse Bulleyn or defacing thereof, etc., give credence to bearer, Sir Ric. Lee. For more speedy making of the bastilion, proclamation shall be made that such soldiers as will work therein shall have 2d. a day above their wages.
Draft in Petre's hand, pp. 5. Endd.: M. to the Counsell at Bulloyn, vto Octobris 1544.
5 Oct. 353. Norfolk and Others to Henry VIII.
R.O.
Nott's
Howard,
App. xvii.
Yesterday (fn. n2) morning we assembled upon the ground without the town, called the Old Man, where your Majesty devised to have a bastilion and, with advice of Sir Ric. Lee, Rogers, and Candishe, consulted upon the same. All agreed that, neither there nor elsewhere about the town, could Basse Boleyn or the haven be so fortified this winter, but that the Frenchmen may burn Basse Boleyn and the ships in the haven, and make a bastilion on the other side of the water to let the entry of any ship into the haven. This resolution we "agreed unto this afternoon," for yesterday at dinner, intending to devise further, alarm was raised of a great number of Frenchmen approaching the camps of Norfolk and the lord Privy Seal; who thereupon returned to their camps, and their horsemen skirmished with the French, killing nine and taking three Albanese prisoners, without loss. As it was doubted whether there were footmen among the French, and what their enterprise was, the lord Admiral set those appointed to keep the town in their places, and Suffolk caused all the rest of the horsemen and footmen to repair to the foresaid camps, which they did "with a cheerful courage, wading through the water at the gaynest to arrive in time; and herewith was spent all the afternoon."
On Thursday morning our spies affirmed that the Dolphin would come forward; whereupon we determined to fortify a camp and repair to it next day, and accordingly wrote our letters intending to despatch them that evening to your Highness. That evening arrived your servant Chamberlain, from St. Omers, saying that the Dolphin's repair to those parts was greatly bruited; and letters also came from Mr. Walop signifying that the Dolphin was marching towards Alkyns as if to draw towards Guisnes. A trumpet, too, arrived declaring that he had seen 800 horsemen at Marguyson. These things so troubled us that, setting apart our rest and sleep, we assembled on Thursday night soon after midnight and conferred together. And, first, we saw that Boleyn, furnished with men and victuals, might as it is resist the power of France for this winter, and that the victuals there would suffice 4,000 for three months, whereas this great number spent as much in one day as would serve the town for seven. And when we devised of reducing our number to 10,000 and keeping the field, through extreme cold and wading the water on Wednesday, so many had suddenly fallen sick that we perceived that that could not be without great destruction of people, having neither huts nor straw nor hales or tents sufficient; for many that came from Monstrel burned their tents for want of carriage and the soldiers in Basse Bolen for want of fuel suddenly burned much timber belonging to your hales. Wherefore, having before resolved by the advice of Sir Ric. Lee, Candysh and Rogers, that the bastilions could not be made this winter according to your purpose, we resolved that morning to depart to Calays, to withstand the Dolphin's enterprises, and, by our departure, leave Bolen the better furnished. This was by the consent of my lord Admiral, who was present. Thought good, by my lord Admiral's desire, to increase the number left in Bolen by 500 under Mr. Poyninges and Mr. Wyat, making the soldiers, besides pioneers, 3,300 men, and to leave lord Clynton to assist my lord Admiral. Left in money 14,000l. and caused the inferior ministers to certify what victuals they had in Basse Bolen to be left in the town (total of each kind given) besides all the corn and beef left in High Bolen by the Frenchmen, "which is a great quantity, as in bread corn above 1,200 quarters at the least, for it was esteemed by them that were appointed to view it above 2,000qr., whereof we think there is some part marred by weather.".We also left such of your servants as had the victuals in keeping, and mills, millers, &c., and will send more victuals from hence with tilers to repair the houses, and sea coal.
Having thus ordered things early in the morning, and caused the country to be descried with horsemen, we marched towards this town and arrived safely by 9 o'clock yesternight. This morning we have sent certain horsemen and footmen to Guisnes and the marches; and, sending over our sick in such vessels as be in the haven, we have written to your ambassador with the Regent for hoys to transport the rest, and victuals out of the Low Countries. Calays, 5 Oct. Signed by Norfolk, Suffolk, Russell, Winchester, Gage and Ryche.
P.S.—The Emperor's ambassador's secretary has come to tell me, the lord Privy Seal, that the ambassador had letters from the Emperor signifying that he would satisfy your Majesty in the two principal points, and that the bp. of Arras would be here tomorrow. "He desired the lodging might be good, for the bishop should lodge with him. The secretary spake this in the name of his master only, the old ambassador, but tomorrow they come both, and we shall appoint lodgings for them accordingly."
Pp. 5, mainly in Gardiner's hand. Add. Endd.
5 Oct. 354. Norfolk and Others to Henry VIII.
R. O.
St. P.,X. 98.
This morning the Emperor's ambassadors came to declare the effect of letters from the Emperor, willing them to assure Henry that he will, in all points, observe his amity; and, where the ambassadors had written that his passing his treaty of peace without covenanting an abstinence for Henry was marvelled at, Henry had declared to Mons. Darras that affairs with the French ambassadors were in good train and the town of Mouttrell like to be shortly taken, and therefore the Emperor durst not meddle with such an abstinence. But he had plainly denied the French request to him to revoke the Countie de Bures, and would be pleased or displeased with the Count for his departure according as Henry took it; and he spoke to the French king's ministers to retire their army, and sent Arras to the French king to induce him to accept Henry's conditions. Arras will be here within two days to declare what is done. The Emperor also spoke to such of the French king's Council as were with him, especially the cardinal of Tournon, to send ambassadors for peace, and Tournon undertook that they should be sent to Calais with commission to conclude. The Cardinal of Belloye complained of being detained six days after his revocation, and therefore the ambassadors would not go into England. The Emperor, communing with Tournon and the Admiral of the conditions which Henry sent to the French king, says that they were importable. The Emperor also made overture to the Cardinal of Lorein for an abstinence between Henry and the French king and had commanded Grandevel to commune with Tournon therein. As to the tarrying of his ambassadors until replaced, the Emperor thought it expedient that they should tarry, one attending Henry into England and the other abiding the conclusion of this matter with the French king, for which he would have Arras attend here.
Thought best not to reply to the above until they had heard from Henry; but think it their duty to show their opinion, which is that Henry should commission some of his Council to commune with the ambassadors that shall be sent hither. The communing with them in Calais is like the communing with them in Hardelowe, or rather more honorable to Henry, and if they agree to his pleasure his purpose is achieved, and if not the world will know that he has courage to remain in enmity with the French king.
Enclose a letter from Mr. Walop (fn. n3) showing what can be known of the Dolphyn. The tales of prisoners and others vary so much that the intent of the enterprise is uncertain. Boleyn is, they trust, in safeguard. Calais, 5 Oct. Signed by Norfolk, Suffolk, Russell, Winchester, Gage and Ryche.
Pp. 4. Emld.: 1544.
5 Oct. 355. De Courrieres and Chapuys to Charles V.
R.O.
[Spanish
Calendar,
vii. 219.]
On Friday last (fn. n4) the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk came early in the morning to say that, although the day before, they were fortifying their camp of Boulongne to await the French, as we wrote, they thought that the French would either be long in coming to battle (and meanwhile the victuals necessary for the garrison would be consumed) or, knowing them to be beside Bolongne, might pillage and burn their flat countries; and therefore they had decided to come hither with all their forces except 4,000 men, whom they left at Bolongne victualled for four months. They exhorted us to follow them, not that day but the next; which we did. Immediately after their departure we received your letters of the 1st, together with the extract of the article therein mentioned; and yesterday when we arrived here declared the effect to the bp. of Winchester, sent to us from the Council. This morning we were requested to come to the castle here, to the Council, and repeated what we had said to Winchester. They were pleased with what we said of your entire amity to the King and also with your order given for the withdrawal of the Almains, and approved your reasons for not intervening for the withdrawal of the armies on either side. The point to which they paid most heed and seemed to desire most is the truce, they thinking thereby to relieve themselves of the expense of the army and meanwhile to fortify Boulongne; but it is to be feared that the French will not hear of it, especially if it is not upon the condition touched upon in your letters. As to the congé of Mons. de Bueren; wrote on the 3rd inst. (fn. n5) of the King's appreciation of his service. Also wrote again, jointly, how the King prayed them to remain with his Council, and they hope and beg that, in pursuance of the Emperor's letters, he will provide successors.
Have tried to learn if there would be any probability of the restitution of Boulongne, and see little likelihood that those here will leave it, considering the profit and advantage which the King expects from it, esteeming it more than to have taken ten Parises (dix Paris). After and during their communications with the Council, they were several times pressed to put their tale in writing, that it might be more certainly signified to the King, but graciously avoided doing so, "nous semblant, tant plus qu'ilz nous en requeroient qu'il y avoit tant plus de mistere"; and the Council have this afternoon despatched to the King to inform him of all and to obtain power to treat peace or truce. Were pressed to write to the Emperor to prohibit his subjects from supplying the French camp with victuals, and also not to grant them passage through Bardenord and to guard a bulwark beside the marshes and the river of St. Omer, by seizing which the French could lay waste all the country between Gracelinghes and this place. Were afterwards requested to write to the captain of Gracelinghes to put men therein in the meantime; and have done so. Calais, 5 Oct. 1544.
Since this was written Mons. d'Arras has arrived here, very late. Not having yet conferred together, defer mention of his charge to next despatch.
Fr., pp. 3. Modern transcript of the original at Vienna.
5 Oct. 356. Wallop to the Council.
R.O. To learn news from Arde, sent his drum thither to ask for some prisoners, and therewith "wrote that this cold weather and our army so near would cause the Dolphin shortly to retire." Encloses the answer; and begs that, for the surety of the castle and town, a good number of footmen may be sent hither tonight, as the Dolphin lies this night at Leques; as Mons. de Bures can show, who will be by this time at Calles, "and the Dolphin sent him his trumpet in passing by to have spoken with him, which he refused, as I hear say." Guisnes, 5 Oct. Signed.
P.S.—"The knawes of Campe Chirche, notwtstonding thaier promysse haue gevin it over for nothinge, and the Frenchmen hawe gevin usse a skyrnich not iij flightes chote from the castell wt horsmen, and or fotmen in the straittes gawe them a verie good skirmysche wt thaier hande gonnes."
P. 1. Add.
5 Oct. 357. J. de Sevicourt to Wallop.
R. O.
St. P., x. 100.
Has received his letter asking for two soldiers who are not here, although there is an old man named Emond Baudet of Ermelinguen not yet put to ransom. Where he fears that the Daufin might be driven back into France by the cold; he must know that the Daufin is in the valley of Licques and will soon be nearer him. Vendome, as you know, yesterday gave your army such a rout that they were constrained to leave their artillery and wagons laden with arrows and other munitions, and he accompanied them (leur firent convoy) as far as the bridge of Mirlay. The Daufin will assail Boulongne in such wise that he will not be so long there as you were. Ardres, 5 Oct. 1544. Signed.
French, p. 1. Add.
5 Oct. 358. Antonius Florebellus to Cardinal Pole.
Poli Epp.,
iv. 18.
After experience of Pole's kindness in Rome last winter, commends to him the controversy between the Sadolets and Lippomanus bp. of Verona. Sends commendations from Cardinal Sadolet and Paul. Carpentras, 5 Oct. 1544.
Lat.

Footnotes

  • n1. This letter was only forwarded to Henry on the 3rd Nov. by the bp. of Arras, who says that he received it while in France. As Arras reached Calais on the 5th Oct. it must have been sent to him about the 1st, when Charles also wrote fully to his Ambassadors (see preceding letter).
  • n2. Wednesday, 1 Oct., as appears later.
  • n3. Clearly No. 356, which enclosed No. 357.
  • n4. Oct. 3.
  • n5. Sec No. 344, which, however, is dated the 2nd.