Henry VIII: March 1546, 11-15 | British History Online

Pages 180-190

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 1, January-August 1546. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1908.

Citation:

March 1546, 11-15



11 March.	370. Prince Edward to Dr. Coxe.
Harl. MS. 5,087, No. 2. B. M. Nichols' Lit. Rem. of Edw. VI., 5.	Knows that his dearest Almoner will accept this short lette remembering the words in Cato's 1st book ver. 20, "Exiguum munu cum dat tibi pauper amicus, Accipito placide, plene et laudare memento.' Hertford, 11 March 1545.
	Lat., fair copy, ½ p.
11 March.	371. St. Leger to Paget.
R. O. St. P., iii. 558.	Thanks for the kind letter sent with the King's licence to repair to his Highness. Trusting to make his accusers appear as they are, who have long had veiled faces, he forbears to write of the matter, and will come himself soon after St. Patrick's Day, when he has appointed a great part of the nobility to be here, by whose advice to leave the land in honest stay. Knows of no variance but that which lately was in the county of Waterford, which is now stayed and pledges taken of the authors. Yester even received a letter from George Grenelief, Desmond's servant, who has taken a French bark of 30 ton and sent up its licence from the captain of Depe, and news confessed by one of the prisoners. Kilmaynam, 11 March 1545. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.
11 March.	372. Gardiner to Paget.
R. O.	This day, between Eclo and Steken, in his way to Calays, received Paget's letters by Nicolas the courier, and will accordingly deliver to Mr. Wotton the money conveyed in his company. Has only 20,000 cr.; but Mr. Chamberlain tarries behind to bring more and overtake him. Could not tarry longer in Antwerpe lest it should be suspected that he tarried for it. "Mr. Vaughan said he did as much as he could to recover that I have, and will send by Master Chamberlain the rest. It shall make the less matter, seeing we have licence for 200,000, which ye knew not at the writing of your letters." Eclo, 11 March.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1545.
11 March.	373. J. Dymmock to Paget.
R. O.	This morning a "very substantial honest man as any is in this town, whereunto I was appointed, by Jasper Dowche for to receive money" for the King's provisions "axkesed me for nyewys." I answered that I knew none worth telling. He then said "Well, I did love your father, and for his sake I do love you; and this much I shall declare unto you, but I will never hear it any more that ever I have spoken any word unto you of these things, which I will counsel you to advertise your master and governors of the realm of Ynglande that they do look substantially upon such men as the King's Majesty is served with in his town of Bollen, for there is certain treason a-working that all such victuals as the King's Majesty does make provision for that they should not come thither but rather for to come into the hands of his enemies." I asked whether they (the traitors) were English, Dutch or Italians; and he answered "It may chance both of yours and of ours, and more you get not of me, but let your governors look substantially upon the affairs of Bolleyn whom that they do put in trust there, for the King's Majesty your master is deceived every way; and within a day or two I will tell you more if that you do remain in the town."
	Half an hour later I met a Frenchman who has long dwelt in Italy and is returning thither after making a suit for his master in the French Court. Being well acquainted "with a brother of [mine?] (fn. n1) which I kept in Venyce," he took acquaintance of me; and I asked what provision the French king made for war. He answered "that the chief provision was for pioneers and masons for to make another strength between Bollen and Calys," and that as yet only 4 galleys and 14 ships of war were ready, but it was said secretly that they hoped "to have Bollen ere long without loss of many men." He declared the death of Mons. Dangyen, of which you will have heard.
	I am fain to come myself for money and to receive all in white money, stivers and half stivers, which will be four days' work, of which this is the first. If I could have gotten perfect knowledge of the merchant who told me the first news I would have written to the whole Council. Evidently he feared to declare more because divers lords of the Emperor's Council "resort at his house"; and he seemed to imply that the treason was not unknown to some noblemen of this land. I pray God you do not trust these Councillors too far; for, when they have what they labour for, "they will do as they have done always." In haste, 11 March 1545, at Andwerppe.
	Writes of good will, although "not exspert in setteynnge or writtynnge of letters."
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
12 March.	374. Merchandise.
R. O.	Certificate by the burgomasters, etc., of Antwerp that Elias Corrn, merchant of Antwerp, has taken oath that 13 bales of woad, laden two or three days before in the ship of Adrian Claes of Antwerp named the Pellican, belong to him. Sealed 12 March A.D. 1545 stylo Brabantiae.
	Small parchment, Latin. Seal much broken.
12 March.	375. Vaughan to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Nicholas the post, who arrived yesterday, brought a letter from the Council instructing him, after retaining 18,000l. Fl., to pay the debt here due in April (17 April in next sentence) and furnishing Watson, Damesel and Dymok, to deliver the rest of the King's money to my lord of Winchester. Had already foreseen this and, two days past, delivered Winchester 22,098 cr. and 291 angels, in six sealed bags, for Sir Edward Wotton, treasurer of Calles. Wrote of this in his letters of the 10th inst., enclosing a declaration of his account. The debt due in April is not 15,000l.; for he received 16,896l 12s. Fl. (as appears in his account delivered to Sir Ralph Sadleyr) and the rest of the 18,000l. FL, which was 60,000 cr. at 6s., was then deducted for the interest, provision and brokerage. As to his opinion whether the fustians should be sold here or in London, has sufficiently answered in his letters written more than six days ago. Remembering how earnest the Fugger was that they should not be uttered at less price than he sold them for, and how he is to be encouraged to go forward with the emprunture of the 600,000 cr., the King should receive them at London and there take the advantage of the custom and sell them. "If your Majesty's merchants say that those sorts of fustians be not there vendible, shall they not be there sold if your Majesty please? Of this your Majesty may be sure, that the Fugger will still hold his merchandise and the price thereof in reputation. The Fugger thinketh that your Majesty will spend many of the white fustians in soldiers' coats, and specially in the coats of mariners and such other." Has entered with the Fugger for the emprunture of 600,000 cr., and to have the other debt of 100,000l., payable in August next, prolonged to another year. "I perceive he hearkeneth to it, but not except his jewel may be taken withal. The bond is the worst that I like in it. As to the jewel, if all the rest frame well, I think, will be given, so your Majesty will continue the present custom of strangers to one man for a certain sum of merchandises to be transported yearly during a time."
	This day a merchant of Italy told me that he heard from Roan that the ships which the French king sent to revictual the new fort "are appointed to go into Scotland, from thence to bring the Princess into France." Suggests that the King should present the Margrave of this town "with a good ambling nag, meet to bear a big man as he is." Mr. Watson arrived yesterday out of Estland. Pays him 500l. for a bargain of corn which he made. He could do nothing else in Estland, and therefore repairs to the King. Mr. Dymok has bought a great deal of corn at Dorte in Holland, but, as it is from Cleveland, Guliche and these countries, the officers in Holland are already busy with his agent to know where he will carry it, to have surety that it shall not leave the Emperor's countries. In this trouble Dymok repairs tomorrow to the ambassador, Sir Edward Caern. I will deliver him no more money until I hear what comes of it; "and yet, being bought, it must needs be paid for." Andwerp, 12 March.
	Hol., pp. 4. Add. Endd.: 1545.
12 March.	376. William Damesell to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Two of the King's ships of war are arrived in Zelond for safe conduct of the crayers laden with merchants' goods, and with them he sends two crayers laden with the King's munition, viz. 100,000 weight of copper, 1,000 "cliffes" for northern staves, 500 lances for horsemen and certain saltpetre and powder. Has ready to be sent to Bollen within 10 or 12 days 2,000 pikes "of Flemish ash, very fair, with long heads." Will procure to have the anchors made according to his former letters to Mr. Secretary. No longer hopes to have any made in "those quarters" where Mr. Watson was, partly because Watson is come thence and partly because of the distance and the scarcity of iron. Has bargained with an Easterling to have 3,500 qr. of rye at 16s. and 500 qr. of wheat at 25s. from Danske, "at the opening of the water," to be delivered at London and Dover, and the merchant to have 200l. in prest at middle Lent. Begs that the King will order payment of this 200l., or else license the writer to sell the corn again. Andwerpe, 12 March, 37 Hen. VIII.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
12 March.	377. W. Damesell to Paget.
R. O.	Encloses a letter to the King for Paget to seal and deliver, or else to retain and declare the contents. Begs favour with the King and Council for "their determinate answer concerning this bargain of corn"; and that the 200l. may be paid at Middle Lent, according to his bond with the factor of Adrian and Michael Koshelar of Daunske, with whom he bargained "only by the advice of my lord of Wynchester," or else that he may have licence to sell it again. Andwerpe, 12 March 1545.
	P.S.—Has written to Sir John Gresham to learn whether the King will stand to the bargain.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
12 March.	378. Sebastian Lucas to Paget.
R. O.	Yesterday arrived at Anwerp, at night, on his way to Brusselles, as explained by the commissaries appointed to take Cort Peny's musters in their letters herewith. Arrived at Breme on 3 March, where Cort Peny had appointed all his officers to gather; who has sent them to Nahuys, 3 miles from Munster, to assemble their men against the 18th inst. and go in troops of 20 or 30 towards Calys. Although the Protestants had forbidden men to go out of their countries, the writer everywhere saw men repairing thither, and thinks that Cort Peny will be able enough to have his company together; but they will be hindered by such as unreasonably complain of the King's payments in times past—indeed, it was said that certain gentlemen who had served under Luchtemaker had laid wait for the King's commissaries and other servants, and used vile words to dissuade those who would serve truly. Begs remembrance of his patents that he and his wife and children may have somewhat to live upon when he forsakes all for the King's service. Anwerp, 12 March 1545 stilo Braban.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
12 March.	379. Paul III.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 209.	Report on Don Juan de Vega's letter to the Emperor of 12 March, with notes of the replies to be made on each subject. It shows that Marquina and Dandino both arrived at Rome on 23 Feb., and, besides business, imparts much information about Roman news and the Pope's aims.
	Vega thinks that at heart the Pope would rather not have the enterprise executed against the Protestants, but will fulfil his promises, just as he consented to the Council against his own inclination. Both the Enterprise and the Council will be means to make him go as the Emperor wishes, and it is best not to hold out hopes of gaining his private ends until both are well advanced. The talk of taking Peter Strozzi and the so-called prior of Capua into the Papal service has ceased, and the sale of the galleys to Count Fiesco is completed. (Note for reply: As the Pope knew that Fiesco was a pensioner of the Emperor it would have been decent to have notified the Emperor first; but Fiesco is not to know that the Emperor is displeased.)
13 March.	380. Trade in the Low Countries.
R. O.	Safeconduct to trade in the Emperor's dominions; with blank space for the insertion of the trader's name. Brussels, 13 March 1545, Imp. 27, reg. 31. Countersigned: Despleghem. Seal lost.
	Fr. Parchment.
13 March.	381. J. Dymmock to the Council.
R. O.	Yesterday, the 12 inst., I dined with Jasper Doweche who, after dinner, talked of what he had done for the King and said that if the King would spend 12,000 or 15,000 cr. he could "bring the French desirous to have peace." Asked what he meant, he answered that the King spent great sums of money last year and was ill served; but now, said he, "with the expence of this small sum of money I could find the means to take up all the money by exchange or interest, for half a year, both here and at Lyons, and for to cause that money to be laid up in coffers, although the King's Majesty were not minded for to occupy it, that it should so be kept that there should not be for to be had any money for to serve the French king's purpose with when he should have need of, which should do as much annoyance unto the French king and (sic) forty thousand men should do." If the King give Mr. Vaughan charge to commune of this, the said Jasper would do it so secretly that it should not be known. He told me also that 100,000 ducats are arrived in Seland out of Portyngall, and that he could get the King credit for a million of gold. I thanked him for his gentle offers and promised to advertise the King of his services. In haste, 13 March 1545.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add Endd.
13 March.	382. J. Dymmock to the Council.
R. O.	Upon their letter of 19 Feb., willing him to buy the 2,000 qr. of wheat at Dorte, and more if he could get it, and trust to procure licence from the King's ambassadors resident in the Lady Regent's Court, has bought 2,000 qr. wheat and 500 qr. rye, and laden 130 last of it in three ships for Calys, thinking either to get the licence or else to give surety for its going to Dunkerke and Nyewporte, "and, after that ships had been in Seelond, for to have gone to Calys and Dover." But the customer of Dorte and the "scowtted" have charged the shippers to give surety not to carry it out of this "Basse Countrie" upon pain of forfeiting their ships, and the writer's agent has come to consult Mr. Vaughan. Has therefore sent to the King's ambassador to get a letter to the customer of Dorte to let the said corn which Joies Keldermans has bought pass without putting in surety. Could have 2,000 qr. more within ten days. Has always "doubted the carriage forth of this corn;" but if that is impossible the King may sell it again at a profit, for the wheat cost only 14l. Fl. or 13l. 15s. Fl. the last, and the rye 10l. 6s. or 10l. Bought here 3,000 "gambons of bacon" which is packed in "dryefatts" and will today be sent to the King's ships in Seeland consigned to the Lord Deputy of Bollen. Has twice or thrice written asking to whom to consign these provisions. Bought 2,000 qr. rye at Amsterdam, which had been laden ere this but that he had to come to Andwerppe for the money, and "to resseve hyt in dyvers quoyennes, that is to saye whytte monnye wch ys very combersom and longe a tallynnge." Also bought 100 barrels of Holland butter, and will now get the cheese which could not come because of the great frost. Has sent to Chr. Coke of Brame for those 2,000 qr. wheat, "for the price as I sent your honors the copy of his letter written in French," either at his adventure and 23s. 4d. g., or else at the King's adventure and he to buy it cheap and have a certain reward. Reckons the "estryche bacon" too fat for our men to eat. May have 4,000 or 5,000 more gambons of bacon if needed at 2¼d. the lb., whereas at Brame it could not be had under 2½d.; and if he can get any "flyshes" of bacon which is not too fat he will buy it. Desires to know their pleasure with all speed. Of other things Mr. Watson can advertise them. Andwerppe, 13 March 1545.
	Hol, pp. 2. Add. Endd.
13 March.	383. J. Dymmock to Paget.
R. O.	Has bought at Dorte 2,500 qr. of wheat, "and of that is but fifty quarters of rye," and laden 130 last of it. Mr. Watson can tell of the stay of it for the lack of licence. The 2,000 qr. of rye bought at Amsterdam had been laden ere this but that he has tarried here these 8 days for money. As he last wrote, receives it in "all manner of quoyennes." Here is bought and packed 3,000 gambons of bacon to be sent today to the King's ships in Seland for conveyance to Bollen or Calys. Butter and cheese shall be ready out of hand; but the "estryshe" bacon is unreasonably fat, and he thinks it better to buy 4,000 or 5,000 more "gambons." Has sent to Brame, to Chr. Coke, for the 2,000 qr. of wheat, and Watson has also bought 1,000 qr.; but no more can be had at that price. Coke is ready to buy and ship more, as if for himself, for such reward as Watson and the writer will give. With a letter to the customer of Dorte from the Regent or the Emperor's Council, to suffer corn to pass without taking surety of Joies Keldermans, 2,500 qr. more of wheat might be had in ten days; wherefore please see what you can do with Eskyperus whilst he is there. As this corn is laden, I have sent in post to Bruxsels to the King's ambassador; for the shippers may not depart without loss of ship and goods. Would know to whom provisions for Calys, Dover or Bollen shall be directed, as he cannot have servants everywhere, having now one at Amesterdam, one at Breame, one at Dorte and himself at Andwerppe. As to my letter of the 11th inst. "concernynge of the dysceyt, M. Jasper Dowche has, after a sorte, tolde me as much in sayennge that the K's Ma^te ys muche dysceavyd and his vyttayls and provysyons conveyd hetther, w^ch shulde goe to Bollen and Calys, and that they be not all the K's frynnds w^ch hys w^ch dosse (sic) showe a faire face unto his Grace; and he bydes take good hede whomme hys Grace do put in truste at Bollen. But thys, has he tolde me in secrette, and woll here noe more of hyt, for hyt shuld seme that a greate parte of this Courte dosse rather love to here that the K's Ma^te ys dyseavyd, nor that his Grace shulde be well served."
	Begs to be recommended to "my good lady." Andwerppe, 13 March 1545.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
13 March.	384. Jo. Brende and John Brigantyn to Paget.
R. O.	We have "received of the merchants of Hambrough specified in this bill of exchange" 20,000 mks. Lubs. for which they require 2,000l. st. to be paid immediately to the persons named. Hambrough, 13 March. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Sealed. Endd.: 1545.
R. O.	2. "First bill" of receipt, 13 March 1546, by John Brend and John Bregandyn, commissaries to the King of England, from Chr. Kellenhowsen, Hendrick Poke, Jeronimus Besenbeck and Bertell Wackerhagen, merchants of Amborow, of 20,000 "marke Lubechs" to be paid at sight, to the value of 2,000l. st., to Bernard Van Emeke and Symon Persevall or the bringer. "The second bill paid, this to be to none effect." Signed and sealed.
	Small paper, p. 1. Marked by Wriothesley: "This was discharged by the second bill and their acquitance given in th'Exeheqer."
13 March.	385. Mont to Paget.
R. O. St. P., xi. 76	Wrote to him from Worms on the 3rd inst. [Rumor] meanwhile increased that the Emperor was on his way to hold the Diet at Ratisbon to which he convoked all the Princes and States on the 15th inst. under penalty. It is likely that the assembly of Protestants indicted to Worms will now be at Ratisbon, as the States must be there, and when the assembly was indicted the Diet was uncertain. Many suspect that the Diet is hastened only that the Emperor may break the assembly of the Protestants indicted for 1 April. The French captains on the 7th inst. set out towards Heydelberg to the Elector Palatine, to return hither later. Now in the midst of Germany they act somewhat proudly, making choice of all the best captains, and will easily get soldiers whom they may shortly lead against England, who, if the King were in some alliance with these States, could not get even a camp follower against him; and lately the king of France sent the Cardinal a Lenencourt to the Council at Trent. From Germany, except the cardinals of Trent and Augsburg, no commissary is yet come thither. These States duly expect to be summoned thither and have a bill of refusal prepared; and they expect nothing else than, as Lutherans and disobedient to the Roman Bishop, to be excommunicated; to whose extermination the Emperor, invoked by the Pope, will take arms, "adeoque via ordinaria et sub colore justiciae plus ultra ad summum tendatur, et Papistica superstitio confirmabitur." Asks whether to follow the King's ambassador to the Diet or stay hereabouts to observe what the French will work. Commendations to Petre. Francfort, 13 March 1546.
	Latin. Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1545.
14 March.	386. The Privy Council.
Dasent's A.P.C., 346.	Meeting at Greenwich, 14 March. Present: Chancellor, Privy Seal, [Hertford, Essex, Admiral, Durham, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Paget, Petre, Sadler, Riche]. Business:—Letter to Council and Justices of Assize in the North to enquire diligently of a burglary in the house of Wm. Wayte of Hertwyth, Yorks., tenant to Sir Richard Gresham. To Chancellor of Augmentations, to take order with —— (blank) Gouche for conveyance hither from Boston of bell metal for the Ordnance. To Mr. Watson, that, having achieved what Wm. Damezel wrote to him for provision of anchors, "and having advertised when the great ship of Breame should set forth," with also advertisement of other ships there according to his first instructions, he should prepare to return. To customers of London, that George Lasenbey is discharged of his recognizance of 17 Oct. 1545 and must have their certificate of the same. Warrant to Treasurer of Augmentations to deliver Robert Legge, treasurer of Marine Causes, 2,000l. Warrant to Chancellor of Augmentations to deliver —— (blank) Barbour, notary of London, 5 mks. as the King's reward for "pains taken about certain things." Warrant to Exchequer to deliver Sir Ant. Knyvet 1,000l. for affairs of the Ordnance. Warrants to Treasurer of Augmentations to repay Thos. Mailing 220l. advanced at Boulogne (a letter from Mr. Poulet, treasurer of Boulogne, to Sir Ric Southwell was attached); and to pay Sir Edw. Boughton for rent of his docks at Woolwich, for seven years ended 21 Feb. last, 46l. 18s. 4d.
14 March.	387. The Privy Council to Vaughan.
R. O.	Of the money received to the King's use he shall repay the 18,000l. Fl. now due in April, recovering the obligations for it; and, that done, he shall return home for the purpose mentioned in his letter. Expect him before his departure to "drive the bargain for a 100,000 cr. a month to a point or put it in such a good fordeal, if it may be possibly done, as the same may soon after your return thither take effect." The King would be glad of it, the rather as provision for the repayments due in August and September. In the bargain for corn with Erasmus Sketz his custom was not promised, but hope of it given if he served well. Deal with him so as to save the custom if possible, but, rather than break off, allow it.
	Draft, p. 1. Endd.: The Counsayl to Mr. Vaughan, xiiij^o Martii 1545.
14 March.	388. John Gates.
R. O.	A tailor's bill addressed to Mr. Gaytes, for making, lining, "transelateng," &c., of doublets, gowns and other garments. (Tailor not named.) Total 3l. 0s. 3d.
	Subscribed in another hand as paid 14 March 37 Hen. VIII.
	P. 1. Endd.: The taylor byll.
14 March.	389. Scepperus and Van der Delft to Mary of Hungary.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 211.	This afternoon Paget came to them and, among other conversation which they will relate in next letters, begged that the Queen would allow transit through her territory for certain grain purchased in Amsterdam by the King's commissioner John Dimock. Asked whether the grain was Eastland and how much there was, but he knew no particulars. London, 14 March 1546.
14 March.	390. Scepperus and Van der Delft to Schore.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 212.	To the same effect. London, 15 (sic) March 1546.
14 March.	391. Scepperus to Mary of Hungary.
Ib., No. 210.	After receiving his despatch from the Emperor, learnt that the French with thirteen ships were in the Straits and had taken some English vessels, and therefore he took ship from Zealand; but, the weather taking an evil turn, they were driven to shelter in Dunkirk, and were eight days at sea before they reached England. Came to London on the 13th inst., to the great joy of the Ambassador. The King has been indisposed for three weeks; but, yesterday, Paget said that he was better, begging us, however, to wait four or five days still for audience. The illness arises from a malady in his leg. Gathered from Paget that there were no signs of peace, although the English desired it. Great preparations are being made, as was evident in the Thames. Frenchmen are negociating the marriage of the daughter of the late King of Scotland with the son of the Regent; which really seems the most probable arrangement, as the Scots like to be ruled by their own countrymen, and the son in question is a very near heir to the crown. However, the girl is only an infant. There is no appearance of great war with the Scots, who will not move unless they get money from France, for they prefer French aid in money rather than in men. We detain the Emperor's courier until we get audience. London, 14 March 1546.
15 March.	392. John Wylkyns to Lady Cobham.
Harl. MS. 283, f. 177. B. M.	I delivered my lady Brave's letter and Mrs. Lyffyld's to a servant of my lady Braye and left lady Breges letter with Annys Rayffe. I delivered to Spender's servants 61b. of cotton, 12lb. of "weken" (wicks), and a pair of hosen for a woman, that Wm. Gyllytte desired me to buy. Please show him thereof. I was at six goldsmiths in Chepessyd and two in Lombarde street, and none would give above 50s. the oz., "but at the Wenmell (Windmill) Horton wyffe well gywe ljs. the ownce bycausse yt was there bought." It is not so good as crown gold. I want money to pay for my lord's collar and other things that Mr. Warner provided, "so as I have lade yt for xli and w^th in thys x dayes I muste fege the reste of the monye after the prysse above wretten, hor helce (or else) to pay the xli agayne, wherein I whuld kno your l. pleasure yf I shall so selle yt." London, 15 March.
	P.S.—I delivered my lord Marquis your ring and he promised to do his best to content you at your coming into England.
	Hol., p 1. Add.: at Calais.
15 March.	393. Parliament of Scotland.
Acts of Parlt. of Sc., ii. 465.	Held at Edinburgh, 15 March 1545, by the Governor and Three Estates. Business:—Summons against Roderic McCloyd and his colleagues continued to 6 April. Money assigned for the keeping of Lochmaben and Carlaverok castles which are in the Governor's hands. As matters may occur which must be treated by Parliament it is ordained that Parliament run still without any particular continuation.
15 March.	394. Surrey to Paget.
R. O. Nott's Howard. 220.	Has received his letters of the 13th inst. Cannot tell their numbers and the supplement of men-of-war required without touching Rogers' charge. When there was hope of reforming the Castle brays, "at the first reducing [of] the Base town into a citadel in respect only of landing of the victual," and it was concluded to finish the Young Man to be a "cavillere over the same," Surrey devised a plat (which Mr. Southwell penned) for the winter garrison, so as to save charges and victuals; "at which time it was thought his Majesty would resolve with what numbers his pieces might be defended." According to that plat, Surrey and Southwell, by virtue of their commission, in January (for sooner they had no money to "casse the rest"), established in the High town and Castle five ensigns (four ordinary and one extraordinary) of 300 men apiece, in the citadel three and in the Old Man three; "which could never yet amount unto the number of 500, not only for lack of men, for many come over hither daily, but for lack of lodging," which Rogers would never redress. The expectation of summer makes the soldiers "the better content with their misery." The extraordinary ensign was reserved, upon the Council's letter to casse no able men, for the better furniture of the unfinished Castle bray and the aid of the Old Man at need. Must revoke his consent to the plat which he devised, now that the Young Man is damned and a "work devised of more travail and charge, and, as meseemeth, of more danger and of less defence;" and as he cannot speak for the summer garrison, so, he cannot now approve the winter garrison which he devised. The King should resolve whether to keep or raze the old Base town. If to be kept, the strangers who now lodge there, as he told Hertford and the Lord Admiral, being so few, are rather a prey to provoke the enemy than a surety; if to be razed, it is to be considered whether the citadel may stand by itself, and the charge of the strangers be saved. Desired Rogers, when last with the King, to suggest a trench from the town "guyet" to the bulwark of the citadel, so as to diminish the old Base town; who brought answer that, although the strangers should lodge there, no such trench should be drawn. As to Base Bouloyne, has here not only declared his own fancy but that of Mr. Wyat, whom it next touches, as shall appear by his letters.
	Encloses the whole numbers of the garrison, and trusts that in supplementing it the King will consider that this jewel should not depend upon the success of any other enterprise, but be furnished of "himself" ("which how time, th'enemy, and the visitation off] God may waste, the year past may [serve] you for a precedent") and that an army at Ambletew (which only I hear of Rogers), 6 miles distant and divided by two rivers, can hardly let attempts against this town by an enemy that has his country at his back. The enemy, who begins to fortify at Estaples, means "to lose nothing by prevention," and to show his puissance. Had this day a skirmish or rather a charge with them of the fortress, which proved "that the Frenchman can run as fast away up the hill as the Englishman not long ago ran down." The leaders of the footmen were Salerne and Captain Arden. Bearer, Sir Andrew Flammocke, can tell the rest. The coronels deserve thanks. Wishes that Paget, who when here desired to see a skirmish, had seen the like. A vessel laden with spades and shovels was taken; but all the pioneers have arrived here "without any letter of direction." Salerne contents himself with the King's order, and desires only his Majesty's letters to recover soldiers embezzled hence by the new captains. "I rejoice with you the taking of Curteney, and in the grace that God hath given our master that never yet attempt of treason against his royal person took effect." Recommends poor Sir Andrew Flammacke who, by service in town and field, has deserved to be defended from poverty now in his old days." Hears that to Daverne, Sammer and Hardelow shall come 50 horse to each; "which [shall cause our] Arbanoys keep good rule." Bouloyne, 15 March 1545. Signed.
	Pp. 7. Slightly mutilated. Address lost. Endd.: My l. of Surrey to Mr. Secr. Mr. Paget.
15 March.	395. Jo. Brende and John Brigantyn to Henry VIII.
R. O.	In last letters we signified our departure from hence towards Hambrough, where now we have received 20,000 mks. "Lubis," amounting, after the rate of exchange, to 2,000l. st. Payment was delayed with complaints of scarcity of money, of fish taken by the King's ministers and not yet paid for, and of navigation impeded; but, on declaring your favour to the city and "what a riotous thing war is, wherein many things are committed against the will of the prince," and how soon redress may be had, we obtained our purpose. In the lands of the bp. of Breame, which stretch from the Wesell to the Elve, robbers are covertly maintained and divers of Lightmaker's horsemen, for money which they claim, arrest English merchants' goods; yet, in going, as we carried no money, we passed without demand of passport. In returning we required the Bp.'s passport by virtue of your letters. He gently granted it and desired us to speak with his Council, who declared how ready the Bp. was to do you service and had released Lightmaker, your servant, "which, a little before, was arrested in a town of his for the cause aforesaid." They desired us to be means that those gentlemen might be satisfied, and to declare that our assembly was not against their master; for the Bp., being brother to the duke of Brunswike, hated of the Protestants and "maligned of his own people for religion's sake," keeps continually in a fortress. We promised to signify the Bp.'s goodwill; and, as for Lightmaker, although the deed "deserved thank," we thought that he was not here by the King's commission; and as for the money, if Lightmaker had robbed the horsemen or promised them more than was covenanted, you were not chargeable, and we desired that none of your subjects might be disturbed for that matter; and our assembly was for your Majesty's service, and you were too noble to "colour any other's conspiracy."
	All things being ready and Court Penyng in our company, we depart to day towards the place appointed, purposing that one of us shall repair to the Bp. of Menstre to satisfy him, who at first was content with the assembly but now would let it if he could, having conceived jealousy that it should be against him. "The Protestants fearing the Emperor, and the Papists doubting the other confederates," it was never so difficult to assemble men. We will endeavour ourselves that the full number shall with speed repair to Caleis. Breame, 15 March. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Scaled. Endd.: 1545.
15 March.	396. The Same to the Council.
R. O.	To the same effect and as far as possible in the same words. Breame, 15 March. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: 1545.
15 March.	397. Jo. Brende to Paget.
R. O.	By the last I signified our departure towards Hambrough. In the way we were watched for by such as served under Lyghtmaker, "which for such money as they claim due unto them raise wondrous voice and infamy in the country and go about to disturb every Englishman. And in passing the river of Elve after three days' thaw, Courtpenyng, which went before, fell through the ice and was in the extreme danger of his life; and we that followed 'scaped with danger, our guide being drowned." At Hambrough we received money, as I signified; and returned hither to go forward. Notwithstanding the restraints, so many men offer themselves that the difficulty is to avoid them. As all cities and lords have forbidden assemblies, Courtpenyng made no assembly about Hambrough, as he purposed, but at the place I last signified, "being a gentleman's ground whose son is lieutenant of this regiment." It is near Gelders, and is "both more commodious for the soldiers and more profitable for the King's Majesty, being nearer by xxx leagues." To have known it before would have saved travail and avoided the exchange at Hambrough, where of all towns money is dearest. Trusts that by the day appointed the whole company will be at Caleys. Breame, 15 March.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add. Sealed. Endd.: 1545.
15 March.	398. Philip Landgrave of Hesse to Mont.
R. O.	Has heard that Chunradt Pfennig and Steffan Harz assemble men of war for the King of England. Asks what Mont knows of it, so that if the men are for the King he may not hinder the muster or permit others to do so. Milsungen, 15 March '46. Signed.
	German, p. 1. Add. Endd.: 1545.
R. O.	2. Memorandum on a separate paper, viz.: If your King wishes soldiers in Germany it is best not to do it by bands (? durch gardhen) but give money to bring them to the mustering place and immediately lead them away; for many "churffurst, graven steit unnd stend" lately decreed at Hanuber that such camps should be dispersed.
	German, p. 1.
R. O.	3. Latin translation of §§ 1 and 2 in Mont's hand.
	P. 1.