Henry VIII: December 1545, 16-20 | British History Online

Pages 488-504

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 20 Part 2, August-December 1545. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

Citation:

December 1545, 16-20



16 Dec.	988. Anthony Bourchier.
R. O.	Bill of receipt from Ant. Bourchier, the Queen's auditor, for rent of a house in Putneyth due to Mr. Latton, for half a year ended Mich, last, 40s., 16 Dec. 1545. Signed by John Baker, Latton's bailiff.
	Small slip, p. 1.
16 Dec.	989. Paget to Petre.
R. O.	I send herewith a letter to me from my lords the ambassadors with the Emperor, which was cast over the walls this night after the despatch of my letters. Pray show it to the King. The Emperor's delay in going to Utreyct seems to confirm the report of his not going up into Almayn. "The Emperor's gout serveth him to pu[rpose] alway, as his diet did the last year, and wil[be] an honest excuse for him to the Empire for not being there present, as he promised, at the Diet. That man is of a wonderful practice. I note Grandvele's say[ing] to th'ambassadors touching our doings here; and, whatsoever hope we have to do any good in this convention, I would wish little were made of it, but rat[her] bruited that the thing is like to quail; which policy, by all likelihood, the Frenchmen have u[sed] to make the Emperor slow towards us, and we us[ing] the same shall make him also slow towards th[em]. If good ensue it is the better; nor it skilleth how the Emperor take it. If we break with nothing, then sh[all] the Emperor believe we have told truth. A[nd I] think the matter may be so handled to the ambas[sadors], both there and with the Emperor, that we never me . . ." Brewno thinks it better to say that nothing is like to ensue. Cales, 16 Dec. 1545.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
16 Dec.	990. T. Chamberlayn to the Council.
R. O.	Upon your letters, remaining here to demand again of Riffenbergh and others such money as they made me and my colleagues pay "against their pacts," I am uncertain whether you mean me to procure the same by the law if they come here, as it is told me that Eidelwolff is, who had 6,000 or 7,000 philippus "more than he ought." I have sent my lords of Winchester and Westminster full instructions to answer Riffenbergh, who is come to Boisleduc, "where the Emperor yet is, and so diseased of the gout as men say that he will shortly return hither." Other news are none here. Andwarpe, 16 Dec. 1545.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
16 Dec.	991. T. Chamberlain to Paget.
R. O.	Thanks for writing to him when so occupied in urgent affairs. Agrees that his repair into England should be after the Emperor's departing higher into Almain; and prays that Paget's proceedings may have such happy success that he may go merrily homewards, and the writer to wait upon him, if not detained by Riffenbergh's coming. As to the musicians for Paget, has "heard divers upon violles only and shall this day hear other," and trusts to get of the best. Has bespoken half Paget's vessel to be made by one man, and will find another to make the rest, and write to Mr. Caern to procure a licence for sending it; and yet some say that the Emperor is so diseased with gout that he returns hither shortly. Hopes that the stamp of Paget's arms on the vessel will please him.
	"I shall not fail to give your recommendations unto your hostess at Bruxelles accordingly. But where ye add thereto that if I have not cast away mine old fantazy, truly if I should, I should seem too much ingrate. Howbeit the time of concluding that matter is not yet come, nor shall not pass without your advice and knowledge. She hath prepared for my lady certain coifs, which shall be sent you with the next."
	The Council signified the King's pleasure for his remaining to demand of Riffenbergh and others the sums exacted by them against their pacts. If he is to do so by law, would have Paget's advice, and know whether to begin the action in the King's name. Andwarpe, 16 Dec. 1545.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add.: at Calles. Endd.
16 Dec.	992. Philip Landgrave of Hesse to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Was indignant that Frederic a Reiffenberg and his fellow soldiers did not deal uprightly with Henry; but not having been concerned with their counsels, has made his excuses to Henry's ambassadors who lately met him, as he trusts that they will have ere this reported. Hopes that Henry received his letters in commendation of Francis a Waldeck, who went to England with the Duchess of Juliers. Their tenor (if they have been intercepted) was to beg Henry to accept the said Count to his service, or else permit his return to Germany. Spangenberg, 16 Dec. '45.
	Signed. Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.
16 Dec.	993. St. Mauris to King Ferdinand.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 180.	* * *
	The gentlemen here are annoyed that the Admiral should have been sent to the Emperor to negociate before settlement of the differences with the English, who will henceforward be more difficult to deal with. The King, in fear of the Emperor's uniting with England, professes a desire to fulfil last treaty and maintain friendship, but in reality is very ill disposed towards the Emperor. He says that, if he learns that the Emperor means to break the treaty, he will arrange with the English about Boulogne and the pensions and consent to the English marriage in Scotland; and then, with their aid, attack Flanders.
	* * *
	Eight or ten days ago the Protestant commissioners returned here from Calais and were sent back post haste with instructions to proceed to England, if necessary, to press, as if of themselves, for a truce, these people thinking that during a year's truce they could finish their fort near Boulogne and perhaps erect others. But the English insist on keeping all the Boulonnais between Calais and Ardres (sic) some 10 or 12 leagues, and refuse to allow the building of another fort, consenting only to a four months' truce during winter. People here at first said that, to thwart the Emperor, they would surrender Boulogne and agree with the English; but, unexpectedly, the English now demand their overdue pensions and assurance for the future as well. When excited they sometimes say that these pensions have been forfeited by non-fulfilment of the treaties which stipulated for them. In short, the French are astounded at the spirit of the English, who have caused them tremendous loss by sea, including the herring fishery upon which the Normans depend, while their people everywhere are so distressed as to threaten a general rising if burdened with further taxes. The King has not a sou more than he can gather; and has been trying to borrow money at Lyons, encouraging the merchants by repaying some that he had previously borrowed. He can, it is true, extract plenty of money from the people, but it will come too late.
	* * *
16 Dec.	994. The Council of Ten to the Venetian Ambassador at Rome.
Venetian Calendar (Brown), No. 370.	The King of England having earnestly urged the release of Ludovico da l'Armi from his sentence of banishment, a safeconduct for five years has been conceded, because the Republic, having always had good friendship with England, where are many of their subjects with large capital, could not well refuse it. This he shall explain if spoken to on the subject otherwise he is not to mention it.
17 Dec.	995. [Petre to Paget.] (fn. n1)
R. O.	. . . . . . . . . [b]ryng a note of yow[rs] whereby ytt doth app[ere that you have] nott hardde sithe y[our] depa[rtin]g of . . . . . . . . . is wth such occurrentes as otherwise [by] general rep[ort] yow here the bruit of there.
	Wherein [I must] confesse my fawght; the same neverthelesse being (?) . . . excusable, for th[at] I omitted myne owne due . uppon . ffe . . . to m[ys]elffe that the same sh . . . . . . . . . . . . in [p]lace of knowledge, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t wth certeyn[ty] advertise yow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wolde nott have failed s . . . . . . . . . As I dowght not butt theye woll from [he]nsforth make thereof amendes and I for my parte w[oll] do the lyke by sending unto yow suche common (?) and open thinges whiche onely I can now know as I shall thinke worthy writing.
	Here was sithe your departing lyke to have ben a greate hurlye [bu]rlye abowght thexamination of certeyne [bo]okes cowertly throwen abrode, as I thinke, before your departing, for [the] whiche . . . for that S^r Petir Carew was fo[und] to have hadde one of them in his custodye he was com[mitted] [to] the keping of my lord Privy (?) Seale (?) and after he [h]adde ben aseason with him he was sent to my lorde (?) Chaw[ncell]ors and fynally on Sonday last (fn. n2) he was remitted to his [libe]rtye. A priest named Octavian (?) who was the great setter furth of the said bookes remayneth in the Tower (?) and w^t the [puni]sshement of these ij I tru[s] t [the matter] shall take an ende for if it shode be farth[er] tryed I feare me a great multitude myght therebye . . . .
	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rore chawnse[d] . . . . . . . . . .more pyte my lorde Chawncellor had sent his comptro[llour] and Raffe (?) Reede to apprehende . . . [who] fortuned in theyre . . . to meete M^r . . . . . [St]reete . . . . . armed by them wher . . . . . . . . they went offre . . . . . . wyth them and * * (a line lost)
	Th . . . . . . . . . . . rysing [in the] morn[ing] as many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and coming abrode see . . . . . . . . . . . nott feare . . . the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . takyng holde of [him] yow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . with Mr. Com[ptroller] . . . . . . . toke this for * * * (three lines quite illegible.) to the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . his (?) eares The streete partely be . . . . . . . . . . . . morning and partly be those pityful crye. . . . . . . . . . . toward the place and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . out of whose handes mast^r Stonor (?) eskapyd then so fast . . . . . . . away that stombly[ng] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fell and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . thinking he hadde been dedd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and brow[ght] h[im] to his . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hethar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . And now he hath mad[e a] vowe . . . . no more gees(?)erly morow.
	Our Parliament drawyth toward an ende and yett ar there butt iij actes passed both the hows[es] whereof the one [a subsidy for two years of] ij.s. in the pownde for eche yere of londes and xvj. d. of goodes ab[ove x]xli and viiid. under to be paid [before] Ester * * * (two lines quite illegible) the th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . some . . . . . .
	Another act is to putt out [of the] indictmentes vi et ar[m]is [g]lad[iis] et fust[ibus] . . . . . . . . such . . . . . . . . . . . for . . . . the matter (about five lines lost) . . . . . . . . . . . juries within the cite . . . . . . . passed the [up] per hows and be sent . . . . . . . . whic[h] [is] nothing lyked th[at] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ether the King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . qualificati[on] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to . . . brennyng of fr[am]es a . . . . . . . . foras . . . . . . . . . . last . . . . ure felonye whiche being thought [by] the upper howse a right good [law] for the . . . . . .of al suche malitious parsons [by] the lowar hows is thowght to be [nothing so reasonable ?] for that where [as] the sayde offenses being butt of the nature of re . . . . . the partye offended hav[ing] by the [law] of th[e] offendour his remede and recompense so the same be[ing] re[du]ced to the kynde of felonye the pa[rtye] ofended might [be put to] payne butt the gooddes [must] go to [such] as have hadde nei[ther hu]rtt [ne h]arme th[ereby]. Another is an acte of usurye nott uttrely to . . .
	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . excessif usurye . . . . . . hundred whiche having passed . . . . . . . . . . . . wythowt ower . . . . as the say is so directed [to] the lower hows as is thought itt woll [be pa]ss[ed].
	[An]other is an act ag[ainst] the brynging in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . articles Th . . . . . . the . . . . one to [an]o[th]er and the casting of [slanderous bills in] secret places to be made . . . . . . . . [rect]ification w[oll] shortly passe.
	[Another] is an act that [pers]ones having (?) any thinge . . . . , . . . . . . . . . shal attend upon [the King in p]arson in the warres as often as his [Majesty] * * (about nine lines quite illegible) . . . . . . . . . . sholde fforsake th . . . . repayre owt of his Ma^tes. . . . . . . . . . . . a stay made . . . .
	Another act is also ageynst [per]jury [the punishment] thereof to be the losse of goodes . . . . . . . . . which is so misliked as . . . . . . . . for the retourne thereof. . . . . . as they say bring any . . . . . . the woolde be bownde to accuse . . . . f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . And these [be all] that are yett passed the Upper House. And esterday in the act of [Cha]wntryes . . . . . . . . . . free chapples theffect . . . . . . . . . . . . all com . . . . . . of thincumb[ents] . . . . . . . com to my . . . . . . . . . . . . shall by act of Parliament co[m] owt of hande . . . * * (about nine lines quite illegible)
	[The cler]gye [have grant]ed a subsydye for [two years] [of] iijs. of . . . . . that is to saye vjs. in both [years] and of the [days] of payment they ar . . . . . . . .
	[Yesterday Parliam]ent satte both forenone and [afternone] . . . . . . . . sett forwarde th . . . . . . . * * (about five lines lost)
	[A conte]ntion is fallen betwene my lorde of Oxfordde [and my] ladie [he] alleging that she hath . . . . . . . . . the matter is committed to be hardde to my lorde Great Master and my lorde . . . . . . A lyke contention is fallen [betwene] Mr. S[pea]ke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hereof [com]mitted to . . . . . . . . . . and me. In [the] trial whereof [we] have fownde th[em bo]th to bla[me] and having made report thereof to the Kinges Highnes [his Grace] hath thought good . . . . . . . them for a tyme . . . . . . . . . . . the meane tyme for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	. . . . . [A] rondel is sore syck of his quarteyne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .butt that so he shall [do well] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . this extre . . . . . . . . . . remitte it.
	. . . . . . . . receyved suche answ[er] . . . . . . . . . . . . . nott thought the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	The long [sickness of Doctor Butts makes itt necessary that an] other physicio[n should be appointed which is not] yett done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [per]cace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doctor Wotton . . . . . . . . . . . . . * * (four lines lost) [b]ut most hartyly praying . . . . . . . . . in good parte I pray . . . . . . . as yow may shortly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . comfort of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . have none other hope in the world . . . . that yow ar a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . that ensue not that all . . . . . . . . . . . * * (three lines lost)
	[Written at Westmi]nster, the xvij^th [o]f Dec[ember]."
	In Mason's hand, pp. 6. Very faded and mutilated.
17 Dec.	996. Victualling of Calais.
Harl. MS. 288, f. 54. B. M.	Corn and victuals delivered at Calais, 17 Dec. 37 Hen. VIII, by Vincent Mondy "of his remant to Robert Donn by th'appoinctment of the lord Deputie of (sic) Counsaile."
	Giving the amounts of "messelyng," rye, wheat, malt, pease, butter, cheese, hops, empty casks, biscuit and beef, and the places in which they are stored, viz., Snowdon's woolhouse, Peter Howelles in Chequer Strete, Bartholomewes in the Castell Strete, Anthony Cave's in the Masondew Strete, Mr. Bluntes house, the King's loft over the Bootes, in Mistress Mysshawe's hands, in Welles' hands and at the Armitages.
	Pp. 2. Endd.: The remant of vict. dd. to Don by Vincent Mondy.
17 Dec.	997. Paget to the Council.
R. O.	Upon their letter of the 14th inst. conceives some doubt of the King's pleasure as to the "cassing of the crews." At his departure out of England Guysnes was to have 900 footmen and the bulwarks 440 (since increased by 100 upon a letter from the Council of this town), besides the Italian horsemen, 150, the Albanoys horsemen, 200, my lord Gray's 100, Mr. Wallop's 100 and Mr. Wingfeld's 50 horsemen. Now the Council's letters seem to imply (words quoted) that the King will keep no strangers save the Albanoys. If, the war continuing, the King will next year use no Italian horsemen it were well to cass these, which cost 523l. monthly; but, if he will use Italian horsemen, it is to be considered that the enemies will begin to stir in March and the men must have one month's wages for their despatch home, and six weeks' wages for their return to service. If they are to be cassed, the Council should declare it to Ludovico de Larmy, whose band they are. Prays God to bring it to pass that we shall need neither Albanoys nor our own men until reformed from following the naughty example of strangers in deceiving the King in their musters " and pollyng and nyppyng of their poor soldiers' wages," thus proving the Italian proverb Ung Inglese Italianato e ung diarola incarato. Here is one Pellam, a captain, who, having received 200l. for his soldiers' wages, tells them that he is robbed; and would depart over sea leaving them unpaid and 100l. in debt to the countrymen for victuals. "I have staid him, minding if it be a feigned robbery (as I am informed that it is) to commit him to sharp ward, except the King's Majesty or your Lordships command me otherwise." I have sent to Sir Richard Southwell to stay the Albanoys at Bullen. Cales, 17 Dec. 1545. Signed.
	P.S.—Mr. Vaughan was departed before receipt of your letter for delivery of 4,000l., and has left his remnant of money with Mr. Chamberlayn, governor of the Merchants, as by this time he will have declared to you. I have written to the said Governor to bring it hither.
	Hol., pp. 4. Add. Endd.
17 Dec.	998. Paget to Petre.
R. O. St. P., x. 779.	Sturmius and Brewno staid here yesterday, upon occasion of letters from Arde, and today are gone thither. This morning Sturmius, beginning where he left off the other night, moved Paget to accept the overture as first proposed. Answered him as before; but he sware that he had told his full commission and feared that he would now be revoked; he wished he could persuade the French king to leave all on this side Mutterell, but Frenchmen were "of a strange sort to deal withal"; if he wrote instead of going to Court, he would send Paget a copy of his letter, and would write boldly. Paget said that surely they would answer his overture before departing, else what did La Planche and he mean by desiring Paget to devise it? Sturmius replied that he should have answer, and desired him again to move the King to relent; for within two messages this matter must be off or on.
	Considering that the French are very sudden and sometimes unreasonable, intends at next meeting to "go through with the other overture" and, failing that, with "their own overture," qualified. These men seem desirous of some end between the King and the French king, if not a peace, a truce; but Paget tells them that if the King agree to a truce it will not be by his advice. A truce makes clean against us; as our enemy knows, and therefore in his instruction, which Sturmius showed, is "an article, if we liked not that overture he should then make truce for two or three years if we would." By a truce we shall have Bulloyn and what we now possess, and forego the pension. By a peace we shall have the same and the pension. By a truce the enemy shall be discharged of all his extraordinary expenses and we little eased, always in suspicion of him. And meanwhile, by practising with the Almains, the Emperor and the Bishop of Rome, he may make his profit "by putting jealousy in the Emperor's head that he may come yet to some appointment with us, which the Emperor feareth much," expecting for his ill handling of both princes to have both his enemies. If he have peace with us, "no doubt he will by the ears to the Emperor, for he cannot hold his hand"; and we shall keep Bulloyn, be refreshed, and paid our pension, whereby his feathers shall be plucked, and if we list to enter war again on the Emperor's part we shall be "better able to make our party good." In making this peace, if they talk of meeting or strait amity, we here may promise to do our best; and yet I would "communicate generally to the Emperor," to entertain him, and if they call for a meeting, twenty honest excuses may be devised. If once in with you they would entice you against the Emperor, and that enticement (if they would not come to your purpose) might be used to make profit with the Emperor. Cales, 17 Dec. 1545.
	Hol., pp. 5. Add. Endd.
18 Dec.	999. The Privy Council to Gardiner, Thirlby and Carne.
R. O. St. P., x. 785.	Upon their letters of the 12th inst. to Paget, the King marvels that the final answer for "th'eclarisshment" is thus deferred, and prays them to press the Emperor's Council to grow to some end therein, being content that a clause be added to the effect that particular matters of merchants of both sides shall be reformed. Whereas it appears that Grandvilla has said that the ambassadors of the Protestants were returned into France re infecta, and thence dismissed into Germany, they shall take occasion to talk of that matter and declare that the said ambassadors remain still at Ardre, where nothing has yet been done, or is likely, unless the French come on more roundly, who have not forgotten their old practice of making reports of the Emperor to us and of us to the Emperor, although neither contain any word of truth.
	Draft in Petre's hand, pp. 2. Endd.: M. to the bishops of Winchester and Westm., etc., xviij^o Decembris 1545.
18 Dec.	1000. The Privy Council to Paget.
R. O. St. P., x. 784.	The King approves his discourse with Sturmius and Brewno as related in his letters of the——(blank) inst. and the rest of his advertisements signified to me, Sir William Petre. If the overture which he proponed to Brewno, to leave the pension perpetual, arrears and costs, in return for Ardre, the county of Guisnes, Bulloyn and Bullonoyes is rejected, he may offer further that if they will abandon the Bishop of Rome and the Scots, his Majesty, having the aforesaid places, will also release the pension viager. This overture is only to be made in case he can neither save the pension viager nor the million in lieu thereof, and is meant to gratify the Protestants and procure the French king's entry to that whereto he is said to be inclined. If it appear by my lord of Winchester's letters that the "esclarisshment" is passed, Paget may stay the more upon his former overture, and not descend to this without eftsoons advertising the King.
	He shall send to Bulloyn for an auditor to consider the accounts of the late treasurer of Guisnes and return again to Bulloyn. The King takes Brewno's affection in good part, and thinks that Paget should show him the copy of Goseman's letters, by which he may perceive that the French king's proceedings are to be suspected also by the Protestants; for if the Bishop of Rome's dispensation may serve to break a league with his Majesty, "they may well consider what trust maybe given to any promise made to them." This is to be shown him as to a man whom the King accounts his own and can trust with the secrecy thereof. Hacqueney, 18 Dec. 1545.
	Draft, pp. 2. Endd.: M. to Mr. Secretary, Mr. Paget, xviij^o Decembris 1545.
18 Dec.	1001. Paget to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., x. 781.	Because Sturmius, in last conferences "thought we should break" I have caused Sleidanus to send to Ardre for Brewno, if Sturmius be gone (otherwise for both), intending to feel further whether Sturmius said it because he despaired of bringing the French king further, or because he would see whether I would come further. I showed no great care for the breaking off, and yet (as you will see by yesterday's letters to Mr. Petre) gave occasion to continue. Has communicated the whole to my lord of Durham and Mr. Tregonwell; but Tregonwell is not "traded" in affairs, he himself lacks years and experience, and Durham is aged, so that Henry is not well furnished here. Recounts his arguments of the strength of England, the weakness of France, the possibility of Henry's using the Duke of Savoy to invade France on the side of Piedmont, and of the Emperor's hostility if the French king aid the Scots, the opportunity which the Emperor has to destroy the Protestants and then quarrel with France for Savoy, Piedmont and Bourgoyn, and Henry's personal love for the French king. Has said that he is himself French, that he is Evangelic, that he will move maria et montes, and, finally, has promised (for the advancement of this matter) much more than he will abide by (as William Somer says); and leaves the rest to God and to Henry's wisdom. Sturmius surely favours the French. Brewno seems more indifferent and the wiser man.
	If the French king stands to this overture, viz., that he will leave Boulloyn and that part of Boullonnoys which you possess in pledge for the debt and such expenses as these Protestants shall assess, and covenant (without hostages) to pay the pension, and that the Scots shall keep their treaty for the marriage, offering, after peace is made, a meeting whereat Councillors of both sides may discuss means of extinguishing the pension (or else, if no meeting follow, a committee of the Protestants and the said Councillors to devise a final end for the pension, upon recompense),—and if these commissioners will break off unless we accept this,—please signify what shall be done. Calays, 18 Dec. 1545. Signed.
	Pp. 4. Add. Endd.
Calig; E. iv., 125. B. M.	2. Draft of the above.
	In Paget's hand, pp. 3. Much mutilated. Endd.: M. to the Kinges Majestie, xviij^o Dec. 1545.
18 Dec.	1002. Paget to Petre.
R. O.	"Mr. Petre, when you had (sic) read my letter deliver it. I write to know the King's Majesty's pleasure at the worst. Praying you heartily when you write to me again to write to me bona fide how his Majesty taketh this letter and my doings here." Cales, 18 Dec. 1545.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
18 Dec.	1003. Sturmius to Paget.
R. O.	As soon as we came to Ardres yesterday we declared to the King's ambassadors what had passed between us as you desired,—with the result which we foretold. Unless peace can be made with the conditions which I last brought to you, and which I hope to obtain from the French king, there must forthwith be war (since you do not approve of truce). You look to be the author of a perpetual peace, and for that you think it necessary to have the whole county of Boulogne and the remainder of Guisnes ceded to you, in return for all debts, the pension and the abrogation of the controversy for Normandy and Aquitaine, which are no small things, especially now that you have the Emperor's friendship; but, from the other side, much is said to the contrary. We must altogether depart unless you relent. There seems no cause for my going to the King, since I have not been in England and bring an unwelcome message. Shall we let this work be snatched from our hands and again transferred to those who benefit by your two realms expending their strength? I cannot see what more we can obtain here, nor dare we seek it, seeing how little we have in four months been able to obtain from you, of whom our Princes expected greater things than of the French. The French have not refused our arbitration, nor rejected our plan of peace; they have permitted the truce which they abhorred, they have granted the sequestration, and now they may be induced to the conditions which I brought And therefore it is through you that we depart re infecta. Reminds Paget of the importance of the occasion, and of his own words to Bruno and the writer, that if one means failed another should be tried, and that little change in what the writer proposed would be sufficient. The whole county of Boulogne and the rest of the land of Guisnes in which Ardres stands seems a great change. We write nevertheless to the King, although we can foresee his answer. Meanwhile we beg your answer to what we last brought. Suggests further conference. Ardeis, decim[o octavo die] Decemb. Anno mdlxv.
	Lat. Hol., pp. 2. Faded and slightly mutilated. Add. Endd.: decima octava Decembr. 1545.
18 Dec.	1004. Chamberlain to Paget.
R. O.	Has found a goldsmith to make Paget's silver vessel. All cannot be finished before 2 Jan., but parcels of it will be delivered as fast as made. The difficulty is in lack of silver, which cannot here be had for money. Encloses a bill of the sorts and weight which seem most serviceable and not too massy. About the making of the candlesticks is promised answer today. Thinks lord Cobham's fashion the least cumbersome on the table, and will have two or three patterns to choose from. With the help of Diego Saint John, a merchant of this town, and the bearer, has found five musicians who can all play upon five or six sorts of instruments. Four of them are young men and would, he thinks, remain in Paget's service, but have no instruments. The fifth, to whom the instruments belong, has, with difficulty, consented to go with them; and they promise to tarry with Paget until two days after New Year. The four are to have 20 stivers a day, and the fifth 25 stivers for that time, and afterwards double unless permanently engaged. Has given them eight days' "gauges" beforehand, and their travelling expenses must be paid. Doubts not but he will keep the four, one of whom can make all kinds of instruments. They asked 10 ducats a month to go and remain with Paget, but were persuaded to accept this rate until he may hear them. Others in this town are Italians who play on the viols only "and are no musicians." Now is the worst time to get minstrels, for between this and Shrovetide is their harvest. These young men will improve daily. They have a brother with Mr. Fane whom Paget might get.
	"Here is to be sold a goodly fountain of silver all gilt and set with certain stone and pearl which casteth out water above running down into a bason made unto the same during the space of two hours." It weighs 97 marks in silver and will cost about 260l. st., and looks double that value. Thinks that "this Company" would give it to the man who could get the King "to put his customs at the old rate now at Easter, when the vij years shall be expired that his Majesty gave of liberty unto strangers," which has greatly impoverished our merchants, or at least to put them at the old rate for another seven years, to prove whether they have been hurtful to his merchants. This will be "a mean to revoke the whole trade from this proud town to Bruges or some other where, and perchance at length, to Calleis." Desires Paget's advice how this suit may best be made, and whether the King is likely to grant it at the suit of some about him, as he does licences. When Borone the Myllener could not agree with the King about the price of certain jewels, he gave them "and hath had in licences double the value." If this princely gift at the New Year would cause his Majesty "to have remorse to this poor Company" they would gladly give it, and also the value of it to him that would present it and obtain their suit; for they would strain themselves rather than remain undone. Stays it until he has Paget's answer.
	Has written to Mr. Caern for passport for Paget's plate. Trusts that the stamp of his arms will be to his liking. Andwarpe, 18 Dec. 1545.
	Has delivered to bearer, lord Cobham's gentleman, 10 cr. for the minstrels' costs by the way, and to them 42 guildrons for eight days' wages. Has just concluded for his six candlesticks to be made against St. Stephen's Day.
	ii. "The sorts and weight of your silver vessel," viz., 6 platters weighing 6 mks. a-piece, 8 great dishes of 3½ mks. a-piece, 16 lesser dishes of 3 mks. a-piece, 12 lesser dishes of 2½ mks. a-piece, 6 saucers of 1½ mks. a-piece; in all 151 mks., which, at 32½ stivers the oz., will amount to 245l. 15s. st.
	Hol., pp. 6. Add. Sealed. Endd.
18 Dec.	1005. The Emperor and France.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 176.	News sent to Spain by Secretary Idiaquez 18 Dec. 1545.
	The French much desire the marriage and will soon resume negociations. The English ambassadors stay here and amuse themselves. They cannot come to an understanding with the French except through the Emperor; and the fact that the latter can at any time perfectly agree with them makes the French listen to reason. M. Gerard writes that truce is made with the Turk for four years. The friar (fn. n3) has returned from France with the same news as the Admiral communicated, with this addition, that the French desire the marriage of the Prince of Piedmont with the daughter of D'Albret.
19 Dec.	1006. Gardiner, Thirlby and Carne to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., x. 786.	Arriving at this town on the 10th inst., they spoke with Grandvela on the 12th, as already signified to Paget. On the 14th Skepperus came to visit Gardiner, who showed him the minute of the writing which they intended to deliver, but he refused to carry it to Prate and Score because he was come privately and, although he himself misliked it not, he doubted how they would agree in the 24th and 6th articles. On the 15th, at 10 a.m., Skepperus returned, saying that the Council told him that he need not have refused to take the minute and desired him to return for it; and a meeting was appointed for next day. Prate had received on the 14th "tidings of the death of his only son and child," which delayed their assembly. On the morning of the 16th Skepperus sent a minute (herewith) conceived by them (the Emperor's Council); and thereupon reflected that (although commanded, as Paget signified to Gardiner, to make fair weather and pass over these men's doings) it seemed necessary to speak somewhat now.
	Came in the afternoon to Grandvela's house, who said that he was sick of the gout, or else would have come to them. While waiting for the rest, told him that they heard of a truce between the Emperor and the Turk. He said that it was true, and that the King of Romans' ambassador was returned to the Emperor at Bouldwyke, the truce being for five years if that king would restore certain castles in Hungary, and for one year in any case; the Turk's Council had said that it was granted to the intent that the Emperor and king of the Romans might help the French king to recover Bolen; as the French "sued to the Turk to help them to Myllayn, so now they sue to the Turk to help them to Bolen." The writers then spoke of a report that the Admiral and Chancellor of France would shortly return hither, and Grandvela said that one who came lately out of France had that day told him of a rumor there of the Queen of Navarre's saying that they should return to the Emperor about Twelfth tide.
	On the arrival of Prate, Skore and Skepperus, we said that we had sent them a minute of declaration of the matter between us, and had received another from them far discrepant from our expectation; they had procured Winchester's coming hither for the "eclarishement" of the leagues and now by their writing "would partly make the league darker, and partly put it out." They asked what we specially misliked; the fashion of their minute had been agreed upon before the Emperor, and was plain according to the meaning now intended; it was delivered to us first, "and why should not we be as well content with theirs as they with ours ?" Describe how they then read over the minute received from Henry, and had disputes thereupon which are noted in the margin of it (returned herewith); and after much argument (detailed) they departed.
	On the 17th, towards night Skepperus brought me, Gardiner, a minute (copy herewith) drawn partly from ours and partly from theirs, and we had long communication, which he afterwards wrote out and showed to them on the 18th. Returning then to me, he delivered me his memorial (herewith) of my answers, and signified that they were content to put in the words at the end which they had left out, and to devise somewhat for the 24th article. I said that we could agree to no devices that took it away; and desired that there might be no delay, for we were keeping the post, in hope of something from them to temper the untowardness of the matter. Skepperus signified, from Grandvela, that Friar Goosman had been at Buldwyke with the Emperor to renew the old practice, but could get no hearing; also that your entertaining of Italians and Germans had raised a report that you meant war against the Emperor. He delivered "a request of Spaniards to the Queen," sent herewith.
	On the 19th Skepperus returned with the device for the 24th article,— to remain in suspense till the time of common enmity, and meanwhile you to have the benefit of the 4th article of the treaty of Cambraye. Utrek, 19 Dec. Signed.
	In Gardiner's hand, pp. 7. Add. Endd.: 1545.
R. O.	2. Fair copy of No. 897, § 3 down to the word discessisse at the end of the last of the articles to be altered, endorsed by Gardiner "The copye of the minute lately sent out of England to us," and with marginal notes in his hand, showing the objections made by the Emperor's Council, viz., to the preface (for which they would substitute their own, otherwise, as Grandvela said, nothing would be "of their fashion in penning") and to the words hactenus and hostilitatis causa.
	Lat., pp. 4. Endd.: Copie of the minute lately sent out of England to the bisshops of Winton' and Westm', noted in the mergent by them.
R. O.	3. Second minute (fn. n4) of the Emperor's plan for the revision of the treaty of closer amity, endorsed by Gardiner "Their second minute delivered at Utrek, xvj^o Decembris.' Also endorsed "Th'Emperor's Counsell's second minute delivered at Utrek, xvj^o Decembris 1545." It contains a draft conclusion finishing with the words "Actum Trajecti, decima sexta Decembris anno Domini mdxlv^to."
	Lat., pp. 3.
R. O. St. P., x. 790.	4. Third minute of the Emperor's plan for revision of the treaty of closer amity, endorsed by Gardiner "Their third minute, delivered at Utrek xvij^o Decembris," and headed by him "This minute is an aggregate of theirs and ours." With marginal comments and explanations in Gardiner's hand, who writes at the end "Thus far we know, the xixth at night."
	Lat., pp. 3. Marginal notes in English.
R. O. St. P., x. 792.	5. Gardiner's answer to the above, with marginal notes and explanations in his hand, and also the heading "This answer was not made formally as is here written, but by Skepper, upon communication at large with him, reduced to this form when he came home, for his better information and memorie."
	Lat., pp. 3. Marginal notes in English. Endd.: Copie of Skepper's memorial, xvij^o Decembris 1545.
Galba B. x. f. 233-5. B. M. Schanz, ii. 347.	6. The "request of Spaniards" mentioned in § 1.
	Extortions and losses suffered by the Spanish merchants at the hands of the English since the last war began three years ago (omitting several losses by them of Guipuscoa and Biscaye).
	(1) Five cases described, the first being that of the goods of Diego Lope and others taken at Portsmouth on the way from Rouen to Portugal.
	(2) Part of what has been taken since the peace between the Emperor and the French. Six cases.
	Most of the above were proved before the judges at the Diet of Bourbourg, but no reparation has been made, and the English have since committed the following depredations:—
	(3) Eleven cases, most of which have occurred in November and this present month of December 1545.
	French, pp. 6. Amount of damage given in each case.
Dec.	1007. Gardiner to Paget.
R. O.	Since I came out I have not been so troubled in mind; for we are delayed, and yet if we accused these men of craft and illwill we should wrong them; for it is likely that they wrangled with us that they might meanwhile send to the Emperor, and that they fear our showing their doings to the Frenchmen. "It troubleth them much that we treat by mean of the Protestants; but that is a small matter if it ease us. As we hear, there is a truce concluded, whereof if it had been so we think we should have heard somewhat from you. If ye be at home I pray you help that we may have the form of that shall pass formally prescribed unto us again, as it was last very well, which I warrant we will follow with non aliter nec alio modo." We have had disputation for words, which is what "the world is now troubled with." If your matters there frame not well ours may be more esteemed, for we are come near together; but we have agreed to nothing, only promised "to send it home." We divide our letters in two packets, one declaring our travail, the other the conclusion of the matter. In the diversity of their minutes and our notes you may see what we have travailed in. Please communicate to us some part of your tidings there, and recommend us to my lord of Duresme and Mr. Tregonnel.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd., —— (blank) Decembris 1545.
19 Dec.	1008. Parliament of Scotland.
Acts of Parlt. of Sc., ii. 464.	Held at Linlithgow, 19 Dec. 1545, by William commendatory of Culross, Walter lord of St. John's and James Foulis, clerk of the rolls of the register, commissioners; together with John Ross, deputy constable, Robt. Cunnynghame, key-bearer, deputy marshal, Jas. Jamesoun, sergeant, and John Baxter, judicator. Business:—Parliament prorogued to 3 Feb. next.
19 Dec.	1009. Privy Council of Scotland.
Regist., 18.	Meeting at Linlithgow, 19 (fn. n5) Dec. Present: Governor, Cardinal, bp. of Galloway, abbots of Paisley, and —— (blank), lords Erskine, Flemyng and Levingstoun. Business:—Order that 300l. be delivered, towards the keeping of Hume castle, to George lord Hume, who has no goods left undestroyed wherewith to furnish it. Master David Painter, the Queen's secretary, delivered the treaty made betwixt the Emperor and him, as ambassador, touching commerce with Flanders.
Ib. 19.	Meeting at Linlithgow, 19 (fn. n5) Dec. Present: Governor, Cardinal, bp. of Galloway, abbots of Paisley and Culross, lords Erskin, Flemyng and Levingstoun, and Clerk Register. Business:—Order taken to enforce payment of arrears of the tax of 16,000l. for "furnessing of certane wageoris upoun the Bordoris."
	The same day at afternoon. Order for payment of 200l. to James Ker of Mersyntoun, who has suffered great damage from the English and has done good service.
20 Dec.	1010. The Privy Council.
Dasent's A. P. C., 295.	Meeting at Westminster, 20 Dec. Present: Chancellor, Norfolk, Great Master, Privy Seal, Great Chamberlain, Essex, Admiral, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Petre, Riche, Baker. Business:—Upon declaration by Sir John Gage, comptroller, &c., that certain wood and hay ready to be transported to Bulloigne in Flemish hoys was stayed because the owners demanded assurance for their indemnity if intercepted by the enemy, the Council decreed that such assurance should be made. Warrants to Williams to deliver to John Mylle 45l. 13s. 4d. for malmesey and sack for Garnesey castle; to Barnarde Randoll 33l. 10s. for coats and conduct of 100 men of Sussex towards Dover who were countermanded; to John Hopkyns, surplusage of his account for fish for the navy northwards in March a^o 35^o, 91l. 15s. 4½d.; and to Fras. Flemming for morespikes and other munitions provided of William Van Salingham and John Zening. Warrant to Treasurer of the Tenth to deliver 6,000l. to Ant. Brakenburye for the North. Letter to Warden of West Marches to deliver James Pringle, taken at Solone Mosse, in exchange for Parson Ogle. Warrants for payment of 3,000l. to my lord Great Master for victuals for the Navy, directed to Williams for 500l., Peckham, 1,000l, Treasurer of the Chamber, 500l., Treasurer of Tenths 500l., and Receiver of Wards and Liveries 500l. Passport for Symone de la Place, Frenchman, to repair into France to procure ransoms of sundry of his countrymen here prisoners. Letter to customer of Bridwater to release 16 tuns of Gascon wine stayed contrary to the King's licence to John Smith and another merchant of Bristow for 400 tuns. Warrant to —— (blank) to deliver to Ludovico Montio, in reward, 25l.; and to George Grymsdyche and Edw. Welson, for posting with letters to Paget at Calais, 40s. each. Letter to —— (blank) declaring the King's licence to Ant. Payne, merchant of Brystow, to import 200 tuns of Gascon wine.
20 Dec.	1011. Henry VIII. to Paget.
R. O. St. P., x. 799.	Understanding by Paget's letters (of the 17th and others) that Sturmius, fearing revocation, presses to know Henry's pleasure, and that the French king will go no further than is contained in Paget's letters; signifies his final resolution that, if the overture which Paget proponed is refused, he shall propone, for the extinguishment of all quarrels, that, if the French king will leave Ardre and the county of Guisnes, Bulloyn and all Bullonoyes, and abandon the Bishop of Rome and the Scots, Henry will remit all arrears, costs and pensions. In making this overture he shall tell the Protestant commissioners that thereby they may decipher whether the French king means indeed to abandon the Bishop of Rome. Failing to obtain any of these conclusions, Paget shall assay whether the French king will suffer Henry and his heirs to enjoy Bulloyn and Bullonoyes until his arrears and war expenses are paid, and lay hostages for payment of the pensions and of the further expenses of keeping and fortifying Bulloyn; in which case Henry will conclude a peace, comprehending the Scots, as in former treaties, if they will keep their pacts for marriage and peace already made, and deliver their young Queen to Henry, to remain in the tuition of some nobleman of Almain of Henry's choice. Sturmius is to be pressed earnestly in this, seeing that it contains almost nothing but what was proponed by himself and by La Planche, from the Queen of Navarre and Madame Destampes; and, if the French will not part with all Bullonoyes, the French commissioners shall be required to note upon a plat of the country the parts which they wish to remain in their possession.
	If no persuasions can induce them to any of these conditions, Paget shall conclude a truce for eight months (saying that, as many of Henry's subjects are now scattered upon the seas, so that he cannot immediately give them notice, the truce is to begin on 1 March next and end on 31 Oct.) provided that during the truce no fortification be made or renewed within Bullonoyes.
	Draft, pp. 6. Endd., M. to Mr. Secretary Mr. Paget, xx^o Decembris 1545.
Calig. E. iv., 127. B. M.	2. Original letter of which the above is the draft.
	Pp. 3. Much mutilated. Add. Endd.
20 Dec.	1012. The Privy Council to ——.
Add. MS. 5,753, f. 11. B. M.	Perceiving by your letters that, of the money "received there in Flaundres," you have still 6,000l., the King commands you forthwith to cause it to be conveyed to Sir Edw. Wotton, treasurer of Calays. Westm., 20 Dec. 1545.
	Draft, p. 1. Ends:"your very loving friends."
20 Dec.	1013. Paget to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., x. 795.	Spoke with Sturmius this morning, upon occasion of a letter he sent from Ardre yesterday, wherein he showed himself very French, blaming the writer for neither consenting to peace nor truce after putting them in some hope; four months, he wrote, were passed, and their princes could obtain nothing of Henry, of whom they expected more than of the French king, who was content with the sequestration of Boulloyn and to put the matter in the hands of their princes. Was so stirred by this letter that he told Sturmius roundly how he appeared to be not indifferent but French; for what the French king offered was not for their sake, the "oppignoration" of Boulloyn having been laboured for by the Admiral in Flanders and Boulloyn being out of his hands; if the French king had offered to sequestrate what was in his possession, such as the realm of France, the duchies of Aquitayne and Normandy, it had been another matter; and Paget asked if Henry did nothing for their princes when he offered, for the quiet possession of Boulloyn, Ardre, the county of Boulloyn and a piece of the county of Guisnes, a perpetual pension of 50,000 cr. Sturmius protested that his meaning was honest and that Brewno had heard him allege all reasons to the President, who would not hear them and gave advice not to propose them to the French king, and yet he had "written at large." Reminded him of his promise to show a copy of the letter. He answered that it was at his lodging; and returned to his old persuasions for a peace, or at least a truce, and for trust to be placed in the arbitrament of their princes. In the course of much communication, he told Paget directly that the French king would come to no other point, and he wished that Paget would go over to persuade Henry therein, and that he and Brewno might go too, or at least that they two might go. Paget said curtly that he would go on no such sleeveless errand.
	Sent, in the afternoon, for Brewno, who seems wholly Henry's. He told what passed at Ardre as Sturmius did, saying that he would protest to the world that the condition proponed by Paget was reasonable, and he knew that the Landgrave and Duke of Saxony would believe him. And he discoursed of the Protestants' affection to Henry (excusing Reiffenbergh's action as done without their knowledge), and how, as one of the five of their privy council, he knew that they meant to enter league with Henry, and even without a league would not suffer Henry to be oppressed, knowing that if he went to the fire they should follow; he and Sturmius would promise (to be kept secret except from Henry) to do their utmost to get the Princes, if they came to a diet for this matter, to work that all Bullonoys and Guisnez should be Henry's, upon remission of all debts, pensions and quarrels, and to gratify Henry in the taxation of the war expenses, and move the French king to leave the Bishop of Rome, or else they would not enter league with him; "and many other persuasions he used (as he is a wise man) for th'embracement of this offer for this time." Told him plainly that it was the French king who could best trust the Princes, the Landgrave having spoken with him, and the dukes of Lunemburgh and Wirtzenburgh having been brought up in his Court. When he suggested truce, Paget said that he had no instructions. And then he wished that they all might go to Henry, who would be better off with this peace than he now was, for he should then have his pension besides what he held of Boulloyn and Boullonnoys; and, although Paget told him that it would be but peyne perdue, he still wished to go, were it only to see Henry, and would take Sturmius with him to avoid suspicion. Passed that matter over and returned to the iniquity of the French king's offer. Brewno agreed "that they were iniquœ, conditiones indeed, but yet for this time necessariœ," considering what " slipper hold" Henry had of the Emperor, who cannot enter war with any Prince until at some appointment with the Protestants (who contributed with him last year against France because Henry, having the Pope for common enemy, was joined with him), and that the French king to have his brother's eye put out would lose both his own, and, in hope of recovering Boulloyn, would give away Millan in order to be free, with the Bishop of Rome and the Scots, to continue the war; the Protestants could not help to bridle such men because they must have an eye to the Emperor, and because the French king showed some semblance to accept their arbitrament. "Mary! I cannot blame him," quoth Paget, "for he is sure to have of them what he will." "That is not so," answered Brewno, "I will lay my life to gage for it." "Well," said Paget, "the Emperor is our friend, our treaty is renewed, and in case he do invade us or help the Scots, the Emperor will be his enemy." "Helas!" quoth he, "trust not the Emperor, per sanguinem Christi, for when it cometh to that point he will deceive you, he will find a thousand excuses and delays." "The Emperor," quoth Paget, "is a prince of honor and will keep his promises." "Well," quoth Brewno," "you see, if you list, enough."
	Begs Henry to signify his pleasure herein, for these men mean not to tarry here long. Calays, 20 Dec. 1545. Signed.
	Pp. 6. Add. Endd.
20 Dec.	1014. Paget to Petre.
R. O.	The letter to the King herewith shows to what effect our journey is like to come. The King meant well. His poor minister here did his utmost. The will of God be fulfilled! It seems more than necessary to retain Bruno, "and to the fewer it be known the better service may he do. I never saw no Germayn in all my life like him (to say mine opinion) for service." Cales, 20 Dec. 1545.
	P.S.—I was custos rotulorum in cos. Staff, and Derby before the last Act. Pray move the King to continue his goodness to me therein.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
20 Dec.	1015. Charles V. to Van der Delft.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 177.	A gentleman from the King of Portugal with letters of credence to the King of England, falling very ill in France, sent his papers to the Portuguese ambassador here, who now sends another gentleman into England with them to fulfil the mission, and begs Van der Delft to assist him. As Winchester is at Utrecht communicating with the Queen and the Emperor's representatives, while he himself is detained here [Bois le Duc] with gout, he can write nothing of their conclusions. Is much better and hopes to go to Utrecht after the Christmas holidays. 20 Dec. 1545.