Henry VIII: June 1526, 1-10 | British History Online

Pages 992-1000

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

Citation:

June 1526



Vit. B. VIII. 58*. B.M.	2219. The GOVERNOR OF VERCELLI to the DUKE OF SAVOY.
	* * *
	" .. Savonne avecques le nombre de six galleres legieres et aussy ayent ar ... larmee du Pape et Venetiens ne sont point en vollunte de porchasser les Epaignolz plusavant que de les chasser dehors de la duche de Millan." If so, their retreat can only be through the Duke's country, and if they pursue them further, it will be worse. Begs him to take advice, and provide for it.
	The army of the Pope and Venetians is about Milan and Pavia, and has taken seven pieces of artillery which the Spaniards had left. Hears this morning that the lansquenets in Pavia are parleying with the Venetians, who have offered them three pays, and the goods of the Spaniards in Pavia, and that they will treat them well if they will stay with them; if not, they will give them a safe-conduct to return home.
	They have asked for three days to answer. Thinks they will consent, for the sake of the Spaniards' goods. On the other side, 700 or 800 Spanish and Italian foot have arrived. Cannot understand why; but the report is that the Spaniards will abandon Milan if Pavia is lost, and will retire to Alexandria and Novara. Hopes they go another way, as he fears for the Duke's lands. Will do all he can to guard this town.
	Fr., copy, p. 1, mutilated. Endd.: Gouverneur de Verceil a Mons. de Savoye. Copia literarum Gubernatoris Verselarum ad D. Ducem Sabaudiæ.
1 June. Lansdowne MS. 21, f. 137. B. M.	2220. ICELAND.
	A composition, made 1 June 18 Hen. VIII., between the King and certain of his subjects adventuring into Iseland for ling or cod, "whose names or marks hereafter these articles do ensue," for having yearly for the use of his household frank and free from every ship, fish &c. as follows:—
	1. Of every ship having 400 ling and upwards, the King's purveyor is to choose out 200; and from these 200, 100, which the King is to have frank and free, "unless the acquitting of the custom of the said ship's salt." 2. Of every ship with cod, 200 to be taken in like manner. 3. No purveyor is to take fish, except as above, and by virtue of commission; but in case more is required, it must be bought by agreement as between two merchants. 4. The King, hearing of the great charges of the small ships, is contented to make the following remission:—of every ship with 10 wey of salt or under, he will take but half a hundred lings or 100 cod.
	Pp. 2. Elizabethan copy. Endd. by Lord Burghley.
1 June. Vit. B. VIII. 64. B. M.	2221. GHINUCCI to [WOLSEY].
	"Ill. ac R. &c. Postquam die xx[viij.] præteriti mensis scripseram ad D. v. R. quasdam literas, quarum copiam cum præsenti[bus] mitto, scripsi certa pauca per manus agentium pro R. p. d. Archiepiscopo S. Andreæ, ad idem tendentia, et etiam declarantia quod in negotio dicti Archiepiscopi successerat. Postea autem nihil aliud de novo ad meam notitiam devenit, nisi quod, cum die sequenti post ultimas scriptas Pontifex habuisset licteras ab oratore suo, qui est apud Regem Gallorum, datas decima septima Maii, quibus significabat dictum Regem Gallorum et suos ministros, nunc sub uno frivolo colore, nunc sub alio, expeditionem procrastinare, seque ex his quæ videbat judicare ipsum Regem nova[s] praticas cum Cæsare iniisse, et propterea non sincere cum Pontifice et Venetis procedere; cumque idem ad Venetos eorum orator ibidem existens [significabat], Pontifex [et] Veneti statim revocarunt ea quæ in Lombardia ordinaverant, quæ hic non explico quia in supradicta copia plene omnia sunt narrata. Heri autem, cum per licteras datas decima nona Pontifex ab eodem oratore suo certificatus esset quod discussis capitulis cum Rege Gallorum, tandem ipse et orator remanserant in omnibus et per omnia concordes, quodque ipse Rex Gallorum absolute promiserat secunda die, cum prima esset Pasca, capitula subscribere, statim Pontifex de novo ordinavit ut in Lombardia fierent quæ prius ordinata et postea revocata fuerant, idemque ordinavit per Venetos fieri, adeo quod speratur intra paucos dies aliquid novi ibi nasciturum. Quicquid id erit, licet putem D. v. R. aliunde citius quam hinc scituram, ut tamen debito meo satisfaciam omnia ei significabo.
	"Ille qui ex Lugduno misit ad Pontificem licteras, datas decima nona, scribit eadem die certa alia tutiori via alias licteras ab oratore Pontificis apud Regem Gallorum existente habitas et datas vigesima prima misisse, quas, eo præsertim quod per duos dies post facta sunt, prout ille in licteris datis decima nona innuebat, tenet pro certo Pontifex esse illas per quas orator suus scribit de subscriptione capitulorum, quas de hora in horam asserit Pontifex expectare el ostendit se esse optimo animo et de conclusione amplius non dubitare. Alia non occurrunt," &c. Rome, 1 June 152[6]. Signed.
	Cipher undeciphered; mutilated; pp. 2.
Ib. f. 65*.	2. Condensed abstract of the preceding, omitting dates and other minutiæ.
	In Vannes' hand, p. 1.
2 June. Vit. B. VIII. 65. B. M.	2222. GHINUCCI to [WOLSEY].
	Wrote of the affairs of St. Andrew's yesterday. Wishes to have letters from Wolsey, commanding him to treat of this matter with the Pope. Nothing has been done about sending the learned man for the college, as no one has been found fit. Wrote on the 6th about Erasmus's work against Lee, &c. Rome, 2 June 1526.
	Hol., Lat., p. 1.
3 June. Theiner, p. 549.	2223. WOLSEY to CLEMENT VII.
	Professes the great zeal he and the King have to serve the Pope. Thanks him for reforming his bull of plenary indulgence. Richmond, 3 June 1526.
	Lat.
3 June. R. O.	2224. FRANCIS I. to MORETTE.
	Sends a copy of the treaty of the Italian league, to be shown to Jehan Jaquin, and then communicated to Wolsey and the King, with his other instructions. Wishes him to write immediately the news, and what the King says. Angoulesme, 3 June. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add. Endd. in English.
5 June. Vit. B. VIII. 66. B. M.	2225. UBERTO DE GAMBARA to [WOLSEY].
	Is delighted with Wolsey's news of the completion of the league with France, and is glad that the Viceroy is aware of it. Desires an interview with Wolsey. The ambassador of Milan was with him when the news came, and is like a man recalled to life. He has letters from Rome of the 19th ult. London, 5 June 1526. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1.
5 June. Vit. B. VIII. 66*. B. M.	2226. GHINUCCI to [WOLSEY].
	"[Ill.] ac R. &c. Post ultimas scriptas ad D. v. R., quæ datæ fuerunt ij. hujus mensis, nil aliud ad mei notitiam devenit nisi quod heri Pontifex habuit capitula fœderis conclusa in Gallia, ex quorum receptione valde læto animo est et maxima cum diligentia curavit per licteras Apostolicas, sub plum[b]o, fœdus hujusmodi cum ipsius capitulis confirmare, quas licteras per velocissimum cursorem in Galliam mictit. Non curo ad particularia circa hoc devenire cum certus sim eo (ea) ad manus D. v. R. pervenisse antequam huc pervenerint in Lombardia. Præparantur ea quæ in penultimis licteris ad D. v. R. scripsi, crediturque quod cito aliquis effectus videbitur, nunc præsertim, quoniam Pontifex et Veneti animo quietiori existentes virilius ad illa tendent quam ante facerent. Commendo me," &c. Rome, 5 June 1526. Signed.
	Cipher undeciphered; mutilated.
5 June. R. O.	2227. ITALY.
	Extract from the letters of the Prothonotary (John Casale), 5 June (corrected from "May"), Venice.
	On the 2nd, news came of the treaty between the French king, Pope, and Venetians, in which the king of England was nominated, but not included.
	Went the same day to the Doge, to hasten the ratification, which they performed the same day, and sent it to the Pope, who has done the same, and sent it hither. Tomorrow it will be forwarded to France, and Casale will sent with it a bundle of letters from the Pope, containing the heads and form of the instructions. Does not inclose a copy, as they have been often seen before. Was obliged to urge on the Signory, as they were surprised that the king of England had not joined the treaty, partly because all their hope is in him, partly because they feared that, by concluding it, they might do something against the King.
	Told them that the King wished it for the good of Italy, which consisted in its freedom from servitude and tyranny; and they were therefore content to come to a conclusion, and begged Casale to inform the King and Wolsey that they had consented to it in consequence of their advice and persuasion, repeated in the letters of the deceased ambassador, and they thank them for it, but they cannot be at rest until the King has joined the treaty. They beg them also to urge Francis to do his duty, and send the lances, They, with the Pope, have provided about 10,000 Swiss. They have given the charge of this to the bishop of Lodi, and have sent him money. The Pope has sent secretly 10,000 crs., and the Venetians a like sum, besides sending 20,000 crs. to their own army. They have ordered them to be ready next Sunday, the 8th (fn. 1) instant. They have 8,000 heavy foot, 800 heavy horse, and 800 light horse, and have appointed new captains, one of them being Fras. Casale, the writer's brother, who has till now served the Emperor in the name of the king of England. He has a very good band of horse, and is in great estimation, and asks the King and Wolsey to write a letter in his favor to the Signory, for he will serve no one without the King's consent, and wishes them to know that the King is content with it.
	The Venetians have laid a tax of 120,000 crs.;—have appointed agents for another 30,000;—will sell the magistracies and offices of state, which will bring about 100,000, and are determined to carry on matters in earnest. The Spaniards have already found this out, and intend to hold Pavia and Lodi, two very strong cities, not far from Milan. They occupy the castle of St. Angelo, strongly fortified, in the middle of the road, 20 miles off; but they will not be able to hold Milan for long, on account of the hatred of the people, and their fear of the castle. They would like to keep Cremona, but it will be most difficult, as the citadel is in the Duke's hands, and the Spaniards want money and victuals.
	Has told the Venetians, and D. Gregory has told the Pope, that no time must be lost, for the Emperor has 4,000 Spaniards in Italy, as many lanceknights and 3,000 Italian foot, and that he will enroll more. The mutinies at Milan have ceased, for the captains have collected money out of their plunder, and paid the lanzknechts part of their wages. They wished to exact 40,000 crs. from the Genoese; and the abbot of Najara went thither, on the pretence that he had received money from Spain sent thither by letters of exchange, but he did no good. The two principal Imperialist leaders are the Marquis of Guasto and Ant. Leyva, who disagree with each other, but now Don Hugc de Moncada is coming, a man of great prudence and experience, but very unfortunate, to whom they will both yield.
	The Viceroy from France has provided some Spaniards for Naples. They belong to the robbers who are wandering over Italy with Fabricius Maramaus.
	Count Guido Rangonus, the Papal captain, was enlisting soldiers, even before the treaty was concluded. He is very courageous, and as hostile to the Spaniards as the Devil to the Cross. "Accepto novo ratificationis marchio Mantuæ capitaneus generalis_"
	Lat., pp. 4. Imperfect.
5 June. Vit. B. VIII. 59. B. M.	2228. [CLEMENT VII. to GAMBARA.]
	Copies of letters from Clement VII. to his nuncio in England, 29 May. Received his of the 3rd and 4th by Melchio. Understanding the wish of Francis for an arrangement with England and Italy, sent him a mandate, which arrived on the 6th. We have rejected the terms offered us by the Emperor, and taken that course in which his Majesty will for the future be principal and protector, trusting he will move the king of France to adopt that course which belongs to his honor and advantage. As I now hear by letters from the Nuncio of the 17th, although the difficulties of the league are removed, the conclusion is delayed, so that he and the English ambassadors were despondent about it on account of the great honor paid to the Viceroy. We are ignorant of the result; but the delay is very disadvantageous, for the citadel of Milan had not been reinforced, in consequence of the delay of the French, and their practices with the Viceroy. If the league be concluded, we will show by our actions what hitherto we have shown by our words, and satisfy the king of England. If we have hitherto delayed, "indicium est [novarum] practicarum Cæsaris quæ Christianissimum tenent suspensum," and there is no other help, except in the king of England.
	Use all your efforts to bring the league to a conclusion. If the king of France has concluded or intends to conclude with the Emperor, the most powerful remedies will be required, and all the sagacity and influence of the King and Wolsey; and we, the Pope, will support them with all our strength. Use every effort to secure some deliberation suitable to the magnitude of this affair, and let us know their answer and determination. The calumnies thrown out against us are easily disposed of. As soon as we knew the good intentions of the French king, we sent a mandate into France. On the receipt of yours of the 28th, we sent you an ample mandate by our nuncio in France, to whom we gave no commission, "de contribuendo ultra montes," as we adhere to the former league made with the Regent; and if the French will consent to it, they will make no difficulty. If the matter is concluded, "in omnibus concernentibus beneficium et satisfactionem Majestatis suæ faciemus semper ejus voluntatem. Propterea vobis sæpius diximus quod cum propter pericula imminentia rebus Mediolanensibus, tempus non sit considerandi et disputandi omnia particularia, ipsa conclusa, R^mus pater noster poterit aggredi ad ejus reformationem, quoniam libere semper et sine difficultate assentiemur omnibus rebus honestis, et illis præsertim quæ pertinebunt ad honorem, utilitatem et satisfactionem Majestatis suæ et R^mx dominationis suæ.'
	Rome, 5 June. Received duplicates of yours by way of Flanders; those sent by Leonard Spina have perished. We have received incredible satisfaction at the promptitude of the King and Wolsey in sending succors to Hungary, the more so considering the indifference of all other Christian princes. The King must not withdraw his intended provisions, but provoke others by his example, and send the nobleman whom he intends to send, and give him full powers. We understand that the Turk has already entered Hungary with all his forces. We suppose that you know that the league has been concluded in France, which would not have been done except out of respect which they had to the King and Wolsey, and you shall thank them both infinitely in our name. We have determined to see if the citadel of Milan can be succored, without waiting for the French aid. You will see by this whether the charges brought against us be true or false. We have firm hope that the king of England will consent to be the head and chief of the league, otherwise we should not have much hope. Wolsey must take care that Francis keeps up no intrigue with the Emperor.
	Lat., pp. 5, mutilated.
7 June. R. O.	2229. WM. YERDYSLEY to CROMWELL.
	Master S ... has been with him, and promised to bring his own and his predecessor's books. Begs Cromwell to see the reckonings together, and will submit to his judgment. "Your mastership in this may do a charitable deed; for I would, if it please Almighty Jesu, that I wher in so good case as he that goeth from door to door; I mean, that I had but the shirt on my back, and wher out of debt for twelve eerys ... erys servesse that I ded Mr. Dickenson, and it by trew ... I did get a hundred ..." Asks him to take the matter into his hands. Dr. Stranwais has just sent him word that Cromwell has promised to favor the writer. 7 June 1526.
	Hol., p. 1. The writing much faded. Add.: To, &c., Mr. Cromwell, dwelling by the Friar Austins, London.
[8 June.] (fn. 2) Nero, B. VII. 7. B. M.	2230. ITALIAN LEAGUE.
	Commission by [the doge of Venice] to Gaspar Spinelli to receive Henry VIII. into the treaty between Clement VII., Francis I., [Venice,] and Francisco Sfortia ... 1526.
	Lat. Vellum. Imperfect.
9 June. R. O.	2231. CAMPEGGIO to WOLSEY.
	Supposes that he will hear all the Italian news from the Nuncio and the English ambassadors, but does not think it right for a courier to leave without a letter from him. Almost all Italy is arming against the Spaniards, for their oppression of the duchy of Milan and the neighbouring countries. Unless they yield, there will be a great war. The plague is increasing daily at Rome. Rome, 9 June 1526. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Add. Endd.
9 June. Let. di Principi, I. 189.	2232. GIO. MATTEO GIBERTO, Datary, to CAPINO, [Nuncio in France].
	As your union with the English ambassadors and the Venetian secretary (Andrea Rosso) has greatly assisted in bringing about the conclusion [of the Holy League against the Emperor] which is desired, the Pope is most confident that it will produce other good fruits, in causing the French to perform speedily that to which his Majesty (Francis) is bound, and in preventing the Most Christian King from giving ear to any overtures from Spain. Write to the Prothonotary (Gambara) in England to solicit the King to aid this enterprise in Lombardy and Naples with money, as his authority and persuasion have been sufficient to advance it so far. Rome, 9 June.
	Ital.
9 June. Let. di Principi, I. 190 b.	2233. GIBERTO to GAMBARA.
	I have written to France that they should inform you of all that occurs; and the bishop of Pola, nuncio at Venice, will write to you, as also the Magnifico Guicciardino from the camp. Correspond with them. Should France act in concert with us, we shall certainly obtain the victory. Though the King (Henry) may not yet deem it time to discover himself in such good company, yet, if he be willing at least to render us aid secretly, we should be all the more certain to conquer. I think the King might do both with great honor, that is, send us aid and declare himself, at one and the same time; for the sole authority of so great a king would be worth another army to us. The good understanding between his Majesty's ambassador in France, the Pope's nuncio, and the Venetian Secretary has been very effective in bringing about the conclusion which has taken place. Acquaint the King and Cardinal with the extreme pleasure this has given to the Pope, and procure the Cardinal's commendations for those ambassadors, in order that they may persevere in their combined action to keep the French king firm in refusing to lend his ear to any fresh practices, and in executing his promises of men and money, as he will by this means recover all that he desires, with more glory than by an agreement with the Emperor.
	Although we believe the French king will not fail, we think that the respect which he bears to the King (Henry) will be a greater and more positive security to us. The King and Cardinal have always, and especially at the present time, shown so promptly their care for the welfare and prosperity of Italy, that she will ever remain eternally obliged to them; and thus his Majesty will always be her patron, and derive from her all honor and grandeur, in the same manner as from his own kingdom of England. I remember that, when the King at the beginning broke with the French, I being then in England, the cardinal of York said to me that the wings of that cock (Gallo), who was so insolent, would be clipped in such a manner that he would no longer have such power to injure and disquiet Christendom. As he has now chastised the cock, and it has been succeeded by this eagle, which is much more perilous and dangerous to Christendom,—if it be not intended that everyone should put himself under its wings,—I believe it will not appear a less glorious work to his most reverend Lordship to cut its talons also, in such a manner that it shall rest contented with its own, and with the greatness which God has given it.
	Don Ugo [de Moncada] proposes to come with great offers to satisfy the Pope; but we shall not, on this account, cease to act vigorously. I wish we could make sure that the French king will not draw back out of tenderness for his children. If, by your eloquence, you could manage to obtain a sum of money for us, you would render the greatest assistance possible. Humbly kiss the Cardinal's hand for me, and recommend me to all those "signori," especially to the "signor M. P." (Pace ?). By some means or other I will see that you are among the "descritti" (nominees for the cardinalate ?). Rome, 9 June 1526.
	Ital.
9 June. Cal. D. IX. 218. B. M.	2234. FRANCIS I. to MORETTE and DE VAULX.
	This day, whilst hunting a stag, my horse fell upon me, and hurt the little bone of my left arm, outside the wrist, and grazed slightly another bone. The injury is so slight I expect to be well in a few days. Sends this that the King and the Cardinal may not be alarmed, as it might be reported that he was seriously injured. Angoulesme, 9 June 1526. Signed. (fn. 3)
	Fr., mutilated, p. 1. Add. Endd.
10 June. Let. di Principi, I. 194.	2235. GIBERTO to the BISHOP OF POLA, [Nuncio in Venice].
	Touching negotiations with Venice and Italian affairs. Has written to the nuncios in France (Caracciolo and Capino) to urge that supplies be sent, and the galleys for the Genoese enterprise. Has directed them to act in conjunction with the Signory's secretary and the English ambassadors, in order to keep the French king firm, and to prevent any practices that may be attempted by Spain. Writes also to England, desiring them to encourage the French, and keep them in the right way, and in order to discover whether secret aid is to be had from that King, if he be not yet willing to declare himself in such good company. The Bishop is to write constantly to both countries of all occurrences. Rome, 10 June 1526.
	Ital.
10 June. Let. di Principi, I. 197.	2236. GIBERTO to DON MICHELE DI SILVA.
	On the 22nd ult. the league between us, the king of France, the Venetians, and the duke of Milan was concluded, place being left for the king of England to enter within three months, as we are certain he will do. Rome, 10 June 1526.
	Ital.
10 June. R. O.	2237. ITALY.
	Rome, 9 June.—In eight days we trust the Pope's army, consisting of 800 heavy armed horse, as many light armed, and 8,000 foot, of which count Guido Rangoni will lead 4,000, Dom. Vitelli 2,000, and Dom. Joannini, general of all the foot, 2,000, will meet at Placentia. The Venetian army, of the same number, ought to be, by this time, in the duchy of Milan, and likewise the bishop of Lodi, with 6,000 Swiss, and the castellan of Mussi with 2,000. People all expect hostilities, especially the Milanese, who are eager for their deliverance. I hope we shall have a victory in a few days. If, on conclusion of the league, the aid had come from France which has been often written for, in men and money, the archbishop of Fregosi would have been sent to Genoa with the galleys. Count Guido has won over about half of the 1,500 Spanish foot who remained in the territory of Correggio only to prevent hunger, the rest proposing to join them after crossing the Po, as they were detested by all the country, abandoned their general, and escaped, part to Modena and some to Parma, to seek pay of us. Thinks they will be taken into service, and distributed among the other forces.
	The Pope has summoned nearly all the Orsini family to Rome, and several of the Colonnas who trust in his Holiness, such as the lord Stephen de Preneste, who will do good service anywhere, especially in Naples, after the affairs of Lombardy are settled. Have no doubt of success if the French will help them, especially if the King, even though he do not find it convenient openly to take up arms, will give them secret assistance. Thinks he could do either with honor. The good understanding which was between his ambassadors, the Pope's nuncio, and the Venetian secretary was a great help to the conclusion of the late league. Requests his correspondent to inform the King and Wolsey that the Pope was greatly pleased at it, and to get Wolsey to instruct the ambassadors henceforward to continue acting along with ours, and not to give ear to new practices. The French king will gain more in this way than by any treaty he could make with the Emperor before the settlement of Italy; but the Pope feels better assurance from the regard which Francis has for Henry, on whom the safety of his Holiness depends. Italy will be eternally indebted to Henry, and will always be at his service. Remembers when he was in England, at the beginning of the war which Henry made against France, Wolsey said to him that the wings of that insolent French cock must be clipped, that he might not disturb Christendom. Now that the cock is punished, and this eagle has taken his place, who is much more dangerous, it will be no less glory to Wolsey to cut his talons also. Is informed by Don Hugo that he has brought the most ample conditions to satisfy the Pope. We, however, will not abate our industry. Would that we may be secure, and that Francis be not the less active out of consideration for his sons.
	10 June.—Letters have been intercepted of Don Hugo and the commendator Herrera, dated Milan, the 6th, stating that they were in the castle of Milan with the prothonotary Caracciolo, and had spoken to the Duke, and that Don Hugo had full powers to make peace. They were waiting for money from him (ab eo), but they say that the duke of Bourbon is to bring it in a few days. The prothonotary, who is chosen judge to take information of the error committed by the Duke, was to go in two days to the castle of Tritium to examine Morone, don Hugo in 10 days to Rome, and Herrera to Spain. Hears they brag and threaten very much, and show no fear of us. Thinks these are but empty threats, as when they sent a number of captains to collect new soldiers, who were not only not paid, but refused the honor. Expects soon to repay their threats.
	Lat., pp. 4. Endd.: Nuncii apostolici. And in another hand: Ex Angolem, the 9th June.
10 June. R. O.	2238. The DUKE OF MILAN.
	Formal requisition, made 10 June 1526, by Francis Secundus Sforza Visconti, duke of Milan, of Hugo de Moncada, for the immediate restitution of his duchy without appealing to Rome, and for removal of the siege from the castle, in which the Duke has been seven months shut up, notwithstanding his illness, and his repeated demands for justice, and his loyalty to the Emperor in refusing relief at the expence of his interests. Protests that what he may now do, if denied this request, will not be aimed against the Emperor, but only to preserve his own life and honor.
	Copy, Lat., pp. 3. Headed: "Exemplum protestationis Ill. ducis Mediolani."