Henry VIII: January 1522, 11-20 | British History Online

Pages 840-848

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

Citation:

January 1522



11 Jan. Vit. B. V. II. B. M.	1955. SION to [WOLSEY].
	Excuses his not having written before, being so busy on behalf of the Emperor and the Pope. On the death of Leo, came to Rome for the election; "ubi post debitas solennes [exe]quias diebus undecim operam enixe impendimus." Told the King's ambassador all that was done. Proposed Wolsey in the conclave, and bore witness to his merits, but Tortosa was elected at last, almost unamimously. Three legates are appointed to go to his Holiness;—cardinals Co[lonna], Ursinus and Cæsarinus. Hopes Wolsey's turn will come next, as the Pope is old. Owes much to Wolsey, and wishes the obligation increased by a pension from the King, considering his misfortunes and exile. Rome, [iij. (fn. 1) ] id. Jan. 1522. Signed.
	Lat., pp. 2, mutilated.
12 Jan. R. O.	1956. JULIUS CARDINAL DE MEDICI to HENRY VIII.
	I have always owed much to your kindness, and am more than ever grateful for your attempt to raise me to the Papacy. I wish to resign the bishopric of Worcester to the bp. of Ascoli. He has lost the reward of his merits by the death of the Pope, and I feel bound to do for him what I can. Rome, 12 Jan. 1522. Signed: Ju. Vicecanceff.
	Lat., pp. 2. Add.
12 Jan. Vit. B. V. 12. B. M.	1957. JULIUS CARDINAL DE MEDICI to [WOLSEY].
	Understands from Wolsey's last letters that the King had sent hither Richard Pace to favor the election of De Medici to the Papacy, in conjunction with the King's old ambassador. Is as grateful as if he had been actually elected. Wishes to resign the see of Worcester in favor of the bp. of Ascoli, a faithful servant of the late Pope; on which subject he writes to the King. Rome, 12 Jan. 1522. Signed.
	Lat., pp. 2, mutilated.
12 Jan. Nero, B. VIII. 24. B. M.	1958. The VENETIAN AMBASSADOR [SURIANO] to WOLSEY.
	Wolsey has been so busy he has not-been able to see him. Has letters of the 19th ult. from Italy, stating that the conclave was deferred till the arrival of the cardinal De Ivrea, who was detained at Pavia by the papal party. As soon as the College knew of it they wrote to procure his liberation, which, however, they did not obtain till the 19th. They wrote, moreover, to the duke of Ferrara not to attempt anything against the Church. In the duchy of Urbino all was quiet, and no fear was entertained there, at Perugia, Bologna, or anywhere else in Italy; certainly not in Milan. Everybody expected De Medici to be the new Pope, or at least would have the power to elect whom he pleased. On the 27th Francis sent the cardinals of Lorraine and Vendome to Rome. Has more to tell him, which he cannot write. From his house, 12 Jan. 1521. Signed: "Orator Venetus."
	Hol., Lat., p. 1. Add.
12 Jan. R. O.	1959. SIR WILLIAM MORGAN.
	Copies of letters patent in his favour, dated 16 April 4 Hen. VIII. and 12 Jan. 13 Hen. VIII.
	ii. Copy of a grant, by advice of the council of the duchy of Lancaster, to Wm. Morgan, Esq., of the offices of steward of the lordships of Kydwely, Carnollan, and Iskennen, and constable of Kydwely castle, parcel of the duchy in Wales. London, under the Duchy's seal, 31 July 1 Hen. VIII.
	Pp. 2. Endd.
13 Jan. Vit. B. V. 15. B. M. Ellis, 3 Ser. I. 304.	1960. [CLERK to WOLSEY.]
	... On the 9th of this month cardinal Adrian was elected Pope, a man unknown and not spoken of. Every one here is right sore abashed and very ill contented; insomuch that when the Cardinals came out of the conclave, "the common people here, saving your honour, wh[ist]lid at them as they came by." The conclave was divided into two factions, Imperial and French. Of the former, one party was for Medici, the other against him; and as the latter were joined by the French, and Medici found it impossible to struggle against them, he endeavored to carry the election for one of his friends; but without effect. In one scrutiny, cardinal Farnese carried it within three or four voices, and cardinal Sanctorum Quatuor, his friend, cried out "Papam habemus," and saluted Farnese as Pope. But Colonna, a stout man of the contrary faction, bade them count voices better; and after that, Farnese could never pass twenty-two voices. His property was, however, spoiled by the people, on the rumor. Then was Wolsey proposed, and had in the first scrutiny nine, in the second twelve, in the third nineteen voices. He was objected to for his youth, for his determination, and for that he "favored not all the best the Emperor." Had proper efforts been made in time, and the King and Wolsey's pleasure been known, the matter would have taken effect; but Clerk had never stirred in it, "because your grace at my departing showed me precisely that ye would never meddle therewith." The Papacy is in great decay; the Cardinals brawl and scold; their malicious, unfaithful, and uncharitable demeanor against each other increases every day. Adrian was named by the friends of De Medici, and had fifteen voices; afterwards twenty-two; at the eleventh scrutiny, twenty-six; and then, by the concurrence of both parties, the requisite number,—to the astonishment of all.
	Has told De Medici that the King had sent his secretary (Pace) post with letters to the Cardinals, which have been forwarded to Clerk, as Pace through feebleness was unable to come on. He said that if the King's letters had come in time, they would have had great weight; but the Cardinals were obstinate, and would not readily have accepted Wolsey. He professed to have no hope for himself, and spoke highly of Adrian. Francesco duke of Urbino is preparing against Sienna. Further he said that he had advised the Spanish ambassador to lay out 20,000 ducats, and he would cause the Florentines to do the same, but the ambassador declined. Has spoken with cardinal Sion, who labored much for Wolsey's advancement. He says the bastard of Savoy has obtained 10,000 Swiss. Mentions ar- rangements for the government of Rome during the Pope's absence. This court is utterly undone, if he do not come soon. He may keep the see Apostolic elsewhere. Regulations about his arrival.
	Has desired that the King's book, delivered by the late Pope to John Matheo, secretary to De Medici, might be sent out, with the bulls annexed, to the ambassadors. Matheo admitted that the bull for the King's title had been made up before the Pope died, but the other for the confirmation of the King's book was not ready. Told Matheo that the Pope before his death had said everything was ready, and tarried only for certain verses which the Pope had caused to be made in the King's praise. Begs he may not be accused of negligence in this matter. De Medici says that the new Pope will doubtlessly grant the confirmation desired.
	Copy, probably a decipher. Headed: "[Letters of the] Dean of the Chapel unto [my lord Legate], and dated at Rome the 13th day [of January]."
13 Jan. Vit. B. V. 13. B. M.	1961. CLERK to [WOLSEY].
	* * "perplexity what I shall do, for in th ... do the King's highness ne yet your grace ... how long it shall be or ever the Pope come hither [is uncer]tayn, and hangeth upon so many chances that I sup[pose that] if I should tarry here till the issue thereof, and in [the mean] season the King's and your affairs nothing furthered, your gra[ce would] greatly blame me. On the other side, I dare not come home with ow[t your] commandment." Would go to Spain to the Pope, but has no money; his diets are a whole 100l. in arrear. Expects master Secretary (Pace) hourly, when one or other will go, though whether by land or sea is hard to choose, either way is so dangerous. Would have waited for Wolsey's commission and instructions, but feared Wolsey would send him "thither in such haste that my short and thick carcase should not be able to endure the journey." Will therefore start early to journey at ease, and be with the Pope before the legates, until whose coming he can do nothing. Master Gregory is at Bologna with the King's horses. Heard today that he had received the King's safeconduct to conduct them. He says he must tarry the time of year, and set forward by Almayne, for by France the safeconduct will have expired. Believes there are no horses like them in this country.
f. 14.	* * "received letters from Lyons whereby ... such your letters in ciphers as your grace s[ent unto me through] France were there opened, and so sent down t ... by such officers as were there deputed, as more [at large] it doth appear by a letter which a merchant wh[ich had] the conduct of your said letters by master Tuke's commission did write unt[o me]." Has sent this letter to Tuke.
	A number of the duke of Urbino's band are about Sienna, making "such incursions ... parte driven out by pope Leo that men thinketh [he] shall re-enter shortly. The cardinal De Medici ... Florence yesterday, suddenly departed hence towards ..., but he durst not go the right way, which is by ... [but] hath taken shipping to Pisa, from whence he [will go] surely enough to Florence by land." Thus the world is in marvellous trouble, and like to be worse every day till the Pope come. Rome, 13 Jan.
	P.S.—[In] viij. [days] by sea, if [wind] and weather serve, we may be at Barcelona. The Pope is at Burgos, 500 miles beyond. Thinks "we" shall depart about the beginning of February.
	Hol., mutilated, pp. 4. First leaf lost.
13 Jan. R. T. 137. Teulet, I. 24.	1962. HENRY VIII. to the ESTATES OF SCOTLAND.
	Hears that Albany has gone to Scotland as governor, with money and warlike preparations, and has taken the young King out of rightful custody, and committed him to the care of a foreigner of low reputation, intending to separate the Queen from her husband, and marry her himself. Albany left France without the knowledge of Francis, who promised not to allow him to go to Scotland. Would not listen to the overtures lately made by Albany's secretary for a prorogation of the truce, and refused to agree to any peace or abstinence of war while he remains there. Requires them, for the safety of their king and their own honor, not to assist him or allow him to remain. If they do this, will continue his friendship and assistance to them against the Duke and all who have designs against their king. Greenwich, 13 Jan. 1521, 13 Hen. VIII.
	Fr. A copy, signed by Alex. Scott, clerk of the Council.
15 Jan. R. O.	1963. WM. POPLEY to CROMWELL.
	Desires to be recommended to his wife and mother. Asks him to be attorney for the bearer in a matter he has before the King's council. As both parties are poor men, wishes him to procure a commission for it to the mayor and others of this town. Has made the commission, and left a space for the names of John Reepe and Roger Cooke. If the commission be changed, desires that his friend Mr. Judd shall write it for him and in his name. Will state his reasons when they meet at Candlemas. Hugh Elyott, of Bristol, wonders that he hears nothing of his writs, and John Grene does the same. Asks him to take no money from the bearer for the commission. Will repay him the sixpence for the seal. Bristol, 15 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Thos. Cromwell, dwelling by Fanchurche in London.
15 Jan. Galba, B. VII. 210. B. M.	1964. SPINELLY to [WOLSEY].
	Has not written since Wingfield's departure, for lack of news. The members of Flanders have fully granted the Emperor's demands, but ask that the money may be paid to the soldiers by men appointed by themselves, and not to the financiers, lest it be converted to other objects, and that no more than just the number in service be paid. The Emperor answered that he would regard the members' contentment, "and thus without resolution remain this reasonable desire." Those who administer the revenues oppose it, saying that the Emperor by doing so would deprive himself of his power, and give it to his subjects, "which is to be regarded if the mynis[ters] did their duty." I shall not write more on the subject, as Wingfield knows the state of affairs here. Brabant, Holland and other countries will give their answer at Brussels. A man of this town, who was prisoner in France, has returned, bringing reports of the French king's inhuman extortions upon his subjects, "preaching and persuading every man to give and spend all that he hath, rather than bear any danger to come in such subjection." This has so encouraged the people against France that if they were sure the money would be well employed, they would give such an aid to the Emperor as was never seen before; but it is thought they will not be satisfied without the King's participation in everything, and control over the money, which it is difficult to arrange before the King's meeting with the Emperor, as Wingfield knows. News of the Pope's election is hourly looked for.
	Letters from Trent of the 5th, from the duke of Milan and Bannisius, state that the Duke does not mean to advance without the 6,000 lanceknights which are to be shortly ready. The French had made excursions from Cremona before Placence and Sontino, but were repulsed in both places. The city of Milan and the rest of the duchy was firmly resolved to resist the French. A French ambassador had been well received at Zurich. Was told by the Chancellor of a letter from Michael Abbatis to the bishop and sovereign of Flanders, to be shown to you, and that the Emperor received last night your opinion concerning the answer to be made to Abbatis, which has been followed. On being informed of Knight's mission to the Swiss, the Chancellor in my presence instructed the secretary Maximilian to inform their ambassadors in Switzerland. "As to the declaration at this present, he said the King's highness nor your grace would not condescend to anticipate the same," and he could tell no further, because the letters of the said Bishop and Sovereign were not fully deciphered. He said you had desired the banishment of the Scots from the Emperor's countries, which would be difficult, owing to the privileges of Friesland.
	This morning, as the court removed to Brussels, I had no opportunity to inquire further. The Chancellor told me he cannot agree with Hoghstrate, who is beginning to follow the way of the lord Chievres. He does not take him for French, but only very covetous. I asked the Chancellor how he stood with Nassau. He answered very well, and that he found him well affected towards his master. He told me that Chievres at Worms made suit to the bishop of Liege, at the instance of the provost of Utrecht, for the exchange of the bishopric of Chartres with the bishopric of Aut[un] in the duchy of Burgundy, held by a Frenchman, who should renounce it in favor of the provost, "and he give recompence equivalent to the bp. of Liege, comprised the bishopric of Pampeluna, which, by the mediation of Chievres, the Emperor had in that case granted to the said of Liege;" and, notwithstanding the death of Chievres, he has, by the continual suit of the provost, obtained from the Emperor a pension of 5,000 ducats upon Toledo in exchange for Pampeluna. The bishop of Liege is to have the provostship of Utrecht, and the provost's other benefices in the Emperor's dominions, so that those who in the general opinion deserve punishment for their untrue demeanor are rewarded. Berghes has desired me to say, "that for to have a honorable and profitable end with the Frenchmen, what way the affairs shall take, it is requisite and necessary to make good and effectual preparations for the war, by which means, and none other, they shall be brought to the reason, and compelled to speak. The Audiencer and mons. De la Roche been of like opinion; which Audiencer showed me yesterday, upon some information he had before, that the pensions annuals given by the Emperor to divers lords and gentlemens of these countries amount by the year to 200,000 florins, and been the principal charge that put his majesty back with his revenues." In Zealand they were busy making provision for the navy. York has just arrived, and met Wingfield at Calais, who, having learned from your letters the charge entrusted to him and me jointly, has sent it to me. Will follow the Emperor, and speak with him tomorrow night. The despatch made towards the Swiss will be thankfully received here. Ghent, 15 Jan.
	Hol., pp. 8. Part cipher, deciphered. Mutilated.
16 Jan. R. O.	1965. ANT. SURIANO, Venetian Ambassador, to WOLSEY.
	As I am unable to speak with you on account of your business, I send you these particulars of Italian news.
	The cardinal Ivrea having regained his liberty and entered Rome, the conclave was closed on 26 Dec., and the election of Colonna was hourly expected. Malatesta Baglionus has occupied Perugia, by consent of the cardinals, to keep the people quiet, and prevent bloodshed. Francisco Maria has taken the duchy of Milan, and is assaulting the castle of Pesaro. Fredericus de Bozolo, who was going to besiege Parma for the French, has been repulsed. Other matters I will tell you at a convenient opportunity. London, 16 Jan. 1521.
	Hol., Lat., p. 1. Add.: R., &c., Tho. car^li Eboracen. ac legato de latere in Anglia, &c.
16 Jan. Vit. B. V. 20. B. M.	1966. PACE to [WOLSEY.]
	Informed [Wolsey] of his arrival at Florence on the 12th, ... days after his departure from the [Em]peror, and that he had perfect knowledge of the new Pope's election, and would ride to Rome to see cardinal De Medici. Next day was informed by two governors of the city that the Cardinal would be [here] in three days. He is hourly expected, but is compelled to come by sea and by strange ways to avoid the army of the old duke of Urbino, which is besieging Sienna, and likely to take it. The Duke was stirred to the enterprise by the French king purposely to expel De Medici from Florence, but the governors trust his arrival will keep all right. There are, however, many French hearts in the city, especially creditors of Francis, to whom he owes 1,000,000 ducats. England must counteract these French practices; for if they obtain the government of Florence they will get Bologna and other cities also, which will aid France with money. Before hearing of De Medici's coming, had sent Richmond to Sienna and the duke of Urbino for two passports to Rome. He has been absent three days, and has not yet returned, though he had not more than forty miles to ride. Is informed that even though he get the passports he will not be able to go, as the villains of the duchy of Urbino and Sienna obey no superior. Waits, therefore, Wolsey's letters, to know the King's pleasure. Florence, 16 Jan.
	Hol., mutilated, pp. 4.
Ib. f. 22.	1967. PACE to WOLSEY.
	Apparently a 'P.S. to the above.—The bruit continues that the Pope lately elected is sick, and wagers are laid that he is dead. Thinks it right to find out for certain, and if so "to make sure [unto the] time the Emperor's ambassador r ... in Rome, and the cardinal Colonna, [by] whose means the cardinal of Medic[i was] put besides the dignity papal [at] this time. As for the said ca[rdinal of] Medici, I trust to make him s[ure] at my speaking with him. He [that] can find the means to be sure n[ext] time of these three is like to obtain the rest." Florence, 16 Jan.
	Hol., mutilated, p. 1. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace.
17 Jan. Bradford, 33.	1968. BERN. MESA to CHARLES V.
	Wolsey informs him he has received news from Rome, which leads him to anticipate no good result from Pace's mission, as the imperial ambassador, Don J. Manuel, is doing all he can to advance the cause of De Medicis. He said this with change of color, and other expressions of anger. Told him, if this were so, the ambassador would alter his conduct after his interview with Pace.
18 Jan. R. O.	1969. SPINELLY to WOLSEY.
	I wrote last on the 15th from Gant. Yesterday I delivered your letters and charges to the Emperor, my Lady alone being present. Shall be answered this afternoon. This morning the Emperor heard from Rome that the College, after many consultations, had elected the cardinal Detursensis, now in Spain, to the Papacy. He bears cordial affection to the Emperor, "and to the Frenchmen, as their untrue delaying requireth." When in Spain I found him well inclined to the King and you, as I wrote at the time, and as his own letters show. He will confirm and increase the honors granted to you by his predecessor. My fellow York has gone towards the Swiss with the Emperor's servant. Brussels, 18 Jan., at 8 in the morning.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace.
Galba, B. VII. 372. B. M.	1970. SPINELLY to WOLSEY.
	P.S.—Although the master of the Posts assured me of the cardinal of Tortosa, I went to the Emperor to ask how the news had come. He said Bannisius had written from Trent that an express courier had been sent thither to the duke of Milan with news that the election was published on the 9th at 1 p.m. The Duke wrote to the same effect. The Emperor says the cardinal of Tortosa is of great age, of a feeble complexion and sickly; and if he should not live long, his ambassadors shall be instructed so that you may see the cordial mind he bears you. Meantime he will obtain the confirmation of your [legateship]. The Emperor says the sieur de Ruffe, of the duchy of Burgundy, has come to the princess of Orange at Saint Ann's in Burgundy, saying that if she would mediate between the Emperor and the French king, the latter would put everything into her hands. The Emperor has answered this as he did Michael Abbatis.
	Hol., pp. 2, mutilated. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace.
18 Jan. R. O.	1971. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	The French king came to Rouen on Wednesday the 15th. Spoke to him (though he had no commission to do so) in behalf of divers English merchants who had been ill treated at sea, and had obtained small justice of the parliament there; on which he called the premier president of the parliament before Fitzwilliam, and ordered that the King's subjects should have as short expedition in their causes as might be. He also promised to give orders to the Vice-admiral, whom he would meet at the New Haven, to see that the English were not molested at sea.
	Since he wrote last Francis told him he had been informed Wolsey would not come to Calais, but the Emperor would go to England, where the King would make ready a house to feast him in, and that assurance would be made between him and my lady Princess. He would not name his informant, but said he had heard this from England. Told him it was impossible, or he should have heard of it; on which Francis said no man should persuade him the King his brother would do anything ayainst him till he found it so in fact; that it was very natural the Emperor should wish to pass through England, and he saw no reason why Henry should refuse him, but he would never believe in the contract, for there was no marriage so meet for the King's daughter as his son. Finding him disposed to talk, Fitzwilliam said, "Sir, by this reckoning the Emperor is determined to go into Spain." Francis said he had long known that, and was resolved to make as strong war upon him on that side as he could. He had sent Bourbon to Languedoc and the frontier of Arragon to put the country in readiness. He said he expected news from his ambassadors in England, who were to show the King some matters that would content him. Did not enquire what they were. Thinks, from their speaking so much fairer than they were wont, that they either expect the King to be against them, or hope to put off payment of the pension while getting ready their power. Advises that, if the King do break, it shall be kept secret till they be in such readiness that the French can do no harm, "for I assure you he putteth in areadiness all his power." Francis told him he had spoken to those of Rouen of the charge he was at for his wars; "and they bade him speak no more, but bring them a white paper, and they would sign it, and let him put therein what he would, and he should have it as long as they had anything left to their shirts." He said, as Fitzwilliam has already written, his towns find him money for 30,000 foot and 2,000 spears so long as the war continues. Does not believe he will raise so much if the war last a year longer; the poverty is so great, many will die of hunger. To hear how rich and poor lament the war, would grieve any man's heart. Is to accompany the King, who has left today for the New Haven. Can assure Wolsey he is not mistrusted, "for I spake nothing to him of it these three weeks." Longs to see the King and Wolsey, for he has seen many things they will not be sorry to hear. Can hear of no enterprise in Picardy. The garrison there does not stir.
	There are very few with the King. The Chancellor, Robert Tete, and all the council are left at St. Germain's with my Lady. They expect the Admiral there in five or six days, who is as high in favor as ever. Rouen, 18 Jan.
	Wheat is now at a mark an English quarter, even at the cheapest. This will cause trouble before the year is over.
	Hol., mostly cipher, pp. 3. Add.: To my lord Cardinal.
	ii. Decipher by Tuke.
	Pp. 2.
19 Jan. R. O.	1972. WARHAM to WOLSEY.
	I thank you for advising the King to promote Cuthbert Tunstall, master of the Rolls, to the bishopric of London. He is a man of good learning, virtue and sadness, and right meet and convenient to entertain ambassadors and noble strangers in the absence of the King and yourself. "And I, which am many ways bound unto your grace already, am now much more bound unto your grace for your said favors showed to the said master Tunstall; in recompensing of the which, if there were anything in my power wherein I might or could do your grace pleasure, surely I would be right glad to do it." "It is marvellous great pleasure and comfort to see the King's most noble grace, which is singularly learned himself, to bestow his great promotions to very well learned men." Otford, 19 Jan. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To, &c. my lord cardinal of York and legate a latere is good grace.
19 Jan. Granvelle, I. 241.	1973. ADRIAN VI.
	Instructions given by the College of Cardinals to cardinals Colonna, Ursini and Cesarini, sent to notify his election to Adrian VI., with an account of the ceremonies to be used on that occasion.
	Lat. Headed: 19 Jan. 1522.
20 Jan. Galba, B. VII. 2*. B. M.	1974. MARGARET OF SAVOY to WOLSEY.
	Has received his cordial letters written with his own hand and otherwise. Thanks him for his goodwill to the Emperor her nephew. Thinks it will be easy to induce their majesties to preserve the good friendship now existing, as they have themselves so much affection. The Emperor is writing to Wolsey of a report current here touching the Papal election, which she cannot believe. Brussels, 20 Jan. a^o 21.
	P.S. in her own hand.—The Emperor is giving notice to his ambassador of certain new practices from the usual quarter. I see the affection between the two kings is increasing, and for my part I give it all encouragement. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add.
20 Jan. R. O.	1975. FRIARS OF SOUTHAMPTON.
	Receipt of Frere John Scrivener, warden of the Freres Observaunts at Southampton, for 3l. 6s. 8d. granted by lord Darcy to the convent, for the year 1521. 20 Jan. 1522. "Thankys to God and to my lord Darcy." Signed.