Henry VIII: February 1533, 11-20 | British History Online

Pages 68-79

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 6, 1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1882.

Citation:

February 1533, 11-20



11 Feb. R. O.	149. Dr. Benett. Warrant under the King's sign manual to Cromwell, master of the Jewels, to pay to Ant. Bonvixi, merchant of Luke, 1,000 marks for so much money assigned in his bank to Mr. Will. Benett, LL.D., our orator at Rome. Westm., 11 Feb. 24 Hen. VIII.
R. O.	150. [Cromwell's] Remembrances. A letter to the lord of Northumberland for the swearing of Sir Thos. Wharton. A letter of justice for Jas. Lawson. A letter for the abbot of Fournes. A passport for Doctor Boner. A warrant for the diets of Mr. Boner. To send for Mr. Antony Bonvyxi for an exchange to be made to Rome. My lord William's bill. Letters to my lord of Northumberland and the Council in the Marches. Letters to my lord of Dacre. My warrant for Thos. Alverd, for the last 2,000l. ; the one paid to my lord of Canterbury, and the other to the King's uses. A warrant for 1,500l. to be sent northward. A warrant for the 1,000 marks paid to Bonvyxi. My lords of Canterbury,* York, London, Winchester,* Lincoln,* and St. Asse.* The abbots of Hyde,* St. Benett,* and Burton.* The dean of the Chapel, the Almoner,* Doctors Olyver,* Tregonwell,* Lee,* Gwent,* Alryge, Goodrige, Trylbe, and Curwyn. The friar Carmelytane,* friar Nicolas, Dr. Tresham, Mr. Bedyll, Mr. Leighton. The memoranda are in Cromwell's hand, but not the list of names. Those marked with a are pricked in the original. Pp. 2. Endd. :* Remembr. and the names of certain bishops and abbots.
12 Feb. S. B.	151. For Dr. Bonner, one of the King's Chaplains. Safe-conduct on his departure beyond the sea, for himself, and for a servant who is to follow with four horses. Westm., 9 Feb. 24 Hen. VIII.— Del. Westm., 12 Feb.
12 Feb. Rym. XIV. 448.	152. Katharine Of Arragon. Notarial attestation before Edward abp. of York and John bp. of Bath and Wells of the treaty between Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella for the marriage of the present King to Katharine of Arragon, which was produced by John Olyver, LL.D., at the Chapel Royal, Westminster, in presence of Ric. Watkins, LL.B., the scribe, and of other witnesses, 12 Feb, 1532, 24 Hen. VIII., and 10 Clement VII.
12 Feb. R. O.	153. T. B[aschurche] to John Bennolte. Marvels how Bennolte, being a priest, can do him such injustice touching his benefice of Olderkyrke. Has passed the permutation in deference to Mr. Cromwell's pleasure, in hopes that Bennolte will fulfil his promise about bearing the writer's charges in taking possession of the benefice assigned to him, and that he may be answered of his whole year's farm of that benefice from the last year's fruits, which is 28l. sterling. In trust that this will be done, has delivered at Cromwell's request specialties of writing between his farmers and himself to Mr. Clarencieux, Bennolte's brother. Desires him, therefore, to write to Clarencieux to pay him the said duty and the charges for taking possession of Northcerney, resigned by Mr. Stubbes. This business and trouble has cost him above 10l. Hopes Bennolte will consider it for the discharge of his own conscience, especially as he has benefited by the exchange 10l. a year and more. London, 12 Feb. Hol., p. 1. Add. : To the right worshipful Mr. John Bennolte, commissary of Calais.
R. O.	154. Thomas Baschurche to Cromwell. Reminds Cromwell that, in accordance with his pleasure, he resigned his benefice of Aldermary to Mr. Bennolte, in trust to be answered of the fruits for this last year. Has delivered to Cromwell his writings between his farmers and him. Has no recompense for his costs in his suit to prove his title, for which Cromwell promised to be good to him otherwise. Begs him to cause Master Clarencieux, in his brother's behalf, to pay him his year's rent for the fruits of his benefice, according to his indentures, and his charges in taking possession of Northcerney, resigned to him by Dr. Stubbes by permutation. The business has cost him 6l. or 7l. Begs Cromwell to excuse his not coming himself, as he has been visited by sickness, "percase through thought and unkindness," being in great discomfort for lack of money. Hol., p. 1. Add. : Master Cromewell good maistership of the King's Grace's most honourable Council. Endd.
13 Feb. R. O.	155. The Council In The North to the Earl Of Northumberland. Urge him to lay sure and substantial watch from Illerton to Newton. The Council will make like watch from Newton to Wark for this five nights ensuing, so that no invasion can be made by Murray, who is now at Jedworth, without warning being given by the beacons, "escryes," or otherwise. The fells and fords have been very ill watched hitherto. Think it advisable his Lordship should repair to as near the Borders as he can. Berwick, 13 Feb. P. 1. Copy.
13 Feb. R. O.	156. Augustine De Augustinis to Cromwell. I have written to you since leaving Germany so frequently that it is superfluous to recapitulate ; but it may be my letters were late in reaching you, either by reason of my frequent moving, or by the negligence of the messengers. It is true I could have written oftener, but I saw you had grown cool about my business ; and as your purpose is not very clear to me, I may well continue to write in ambiguous language myself, that I may not displease you. I beg you will cause my compensation, which the King promised me, to be paid to the sieur De la Pomeray ; for it is not likely that in so rich a kingdom something has not since fallen that might suit me. Also, that you will pay Frescobaldi those 20l. due to him at the terms of St. John Baptist so long ago, that I may at least live till I am provided for, and serve you in this Court. Finally, I wish to know if my letters give satisfaction, and whether you wish me to write freely what I think in everything, or only in some things ; also, how I may transmit my letters safely. The Emperor, I think, will remain here till the beginning of next month. He is very anxious to go to Spain. Here is great poverty, and continual slaughter between his soldiers, the Germans, and the townsmen, so that his whole Court is desirous to leave. He will hunt for 15 or 20 days between Genoa and Viglenovi, 15 miles from Milan, and whether he will not go on to Milan is uncertain. He has appointed three of his leading councillors, viz., Covos, Granvele, and the archbp. of Bari, who have interviews almost daily with three nominees of the Pope, viz., Jacobo Salviati, Guicciardini, and card. De Medici, to save the two Princes the trouble of conferring personally ; but I think that this was done by the Pope's order that he might waste the time of the Emperor's stay here without concluding anything. I have written already my opinion of the General Council, which is not much changed. The Pope professes to wish for it, but puts off the Emperor with words, and deceives every one. The Princes will never agree about the time and place. If he were wise, and saw the imminent danger to himself and all Italy, he would see about it in earnest, and not continue hoping, as these Cardinals do, that time will bring a remedy ; for the contrary is more likely, as may be seen by the case of Nuremberg, which formerly alone opposed the Lutheran and all other heresies, but since the Emperor's departure from Germany has embraced them. It is reported that they have driven out all ecclesiastics from their city, and live entirely without religious rites. Of this opinion also are many princes, who fear to have a general and free Council ; so the lesser clergy, and the people who might be helped thereby, will remain still subject to oppression. The cardinal of Trent came here some days ago, but wishes to remain in private, that he may not be received in Consistory as usual when a cardinal comes to the Roman Court, and be hindered from public business. Also, ambassadors have arrived from Austria, Styria, Tyrol, Carniola, Carinthia, and Croatia, to desire, in consideration of their devastation by the Turks and Italian soldiers, to have the Church goods of those provinces and the tithes imposed for the Turkish war in Italy. The Pope consents to the first, but not to the second, to spare what is already his own. Let Ferdinand promise what he pleases by the aid of these moneys,—the recovery of Buda and perhaps of Belgrade,—for it is only talking to a deaf man. An Ethiopian has arrived here who calls himself ambassador from Prester John (Presbyter Joannes). He came with some Portuguese carvels from Southern India to Lisbon, and from that by land. He reports many marvels which exceed belief, but the Pope does not trust him, although the Portuguese assert his honesty. The Ambassador of John Frederic duke of Saxony has not yet obtained from the Emperor the investiture or confirmation of the right of election, although he has busily solicited it both here and at Mantua. It is thought the Emperor purposely leads him on with the hope of obtaining it, although it seems to me to be of very little value, considering that his father enjoyed the dignity 12 years without such confirmation,—nay, in spite of bulls from the Pope, which transferred the gift to duke George, though they were never published. The duke of Savoy, with his wife and eldest son, are expected in three days. The Duchess and her son go into Spain with the Emperor to see her sister. Households for 1,200 knights are appointed for them. It is said they came here to be adorned with royal dignity, and partly to recover, by favour of the Emperor and the Pope, some places from the Swiss adjoining the Lake of Geneva. The Venetians have at length replied that they do not wish any alteration of the league made here, at Bologna, three years ago ; and I think there was no occasion to have solicited them, for the Genoese can defend themselves well enough by sea, and they can do nothing by land without invading Milan, which by this treaty they are bound to defend. So the interests of Genoa and the dukedom of Milan are the same. Nor do they wish to talk of an expedition against the Turks, or of protecting Naples against them, lest they be left to sustain the whole charge of the war, and other princes laugh at them. Andrea Doria had arrived at Rome by land, and was going to Civita Vecchia, where he was to go on board his galleys, with which he will proceed to Genoa or the neighbourhood as wind serves, and come to meet the Emperor here or in Milan. I have already written how he quitted Coron in the Morea, and what garrison and stores he had left there ; also of the reception of cardinals Grammont and Tournon. As to their commission you know better ; but there is a report here, since their departure, that they have been ordered to desist from following their instructions ;—which seems to me improbable. One thing is certain, that they will follow the Pope to Rome ; but it is believed he will not depart until he hears the Emperor has left Genoa. They have offered the Emperor, as the former French ambassador De Veyly did, a fleet to carry him into Spain, and the use of the French harbours ; for which the Emperor has thanked them, saying he did not require a fleet at present, but would avail himself of their harbours in case of need. By this answer I understand that his fleet will be so strong that he will be master of any harbour at which he is compelled to put in. A marriage is talked of between the Pope's niece, daughter of the late duke Lorenzo de Medici, and the duke of Milan, although the Duke cares little for her dower, for he has rents of 8,000 cr. from his mother's inheritance in France, who was daughter of the count of Boulogne, and expects as much on the death of the duke of Albany, whom his aunt married, and died without issue. The French ambassadors, however, are trying to impede this matter by setting on foot negotiations between the duke of Albany and the Pope, who, two years ago, demanded the lady of his Holiness for the duke of Orleans ; which, indeed, the Pope could not refuse, for it would have been beneficial to him and to duke Alexander, perpetual vicar of the republic of Florence, whatever might have happened. When I was in Brussels I remember hearing that the Pope had asked the Emperor's leave for this ; who replied that such a marriage was undoubtedly for the Pope's interest, and that he was therefore content, but that his Holiness ought to beware that it did not disturb the peace of Italy. This answer made the Pope pause, and the affair went to sleep till now it has been renewed. The marquis of Montferrat, who was a churchman, and was nearly 50 years old when he became marquis by the death of his nephew, has been excommunicated (interdictus) by card. Trivulcio for retaining a pension from a certain abbey. All his subjects wish him to have issue, that his lands may not fall to the duke of Mantua, who married the sister of the deceased Marquis. The Emperor has offered him in marriage Donna Julia, daughter of Frederick late king of Naples, who was already affianced to the said duke of Mantua ; but as she is already somewhat old "et ob id suspectæ fœcunditatis," she will not be suitable to a husband already advanced in years. His mind inclines to the daughter of the duke of Wurtemberg, who is staying with the king of the Romans, though he would prefer some one in France but that the Emperor disapproves ; but rather than have no successor he will marry one of his own subjects. Trusts all his business to Cromwell, but if it be not despatched by the end of February, will go to England to see to it himself. Sends commendations to the duke of Norfolk and the earl of Wiltshire. Bologna, 13 Feb. 1532. Hol., Lat., pp. 4. Add. Endd.
13 Feb. R. O.	157. John Salysbury to Cromwell. I am certified of the King's pleasure to proceed with the indictments for prœmunire, &c. on the bp. of St. Asaph and Rob. ap Rice, his vicar general, any writ from the Chancery notwithstanding. Rice has obtained a supersedeas out of the Chancery, commanding me to forbear, which will be a great hindrance to the King's service. Gives other particulars of the difficulties to which he is exposed by these proceedings. Unless you write to the president of the Marches that the indictments should be tried in the country where the offence was done, in consideration of the royal prerogative, no obedience here will be paid to the laws. Denbigh, 13 Feb. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Right honorable.
14 Feb. R. O.	158. Edmond Boner to Cromwell. Last night arrived at Dover, and this Friday morning at Calais, after a long and painful passage. Will make what speed he can. Desires to be recommended to the King and Norfolk, and asks Cromwell to continue his loving mind towards him. Hopes Mr. Bagarde has already delivered the book Cromwell spoke for, with another of Staphileus, in which Boner has drawn certain lines where it makes for the purpose, and also a Worcestershire cheese, with seeds of Rome, Bononye, and other parts of Lombardy. Has told his servant to know Norfolk's pleasure concerning these seeds, and then to deliver them to Cromwell. Calais, Friday, 14 Feb. Hol., p. 1. Add. : Of the Council. Endd.
15 Feb. R. O.	159. John Hackett to Norfolk. Wrote last 31 Jan. The duke of Sorr, marquis of Arscot, who is now here chief of finances, is making ready to depart in two days towards the Emperor by the Emperor's own orders, and expects certainly to find him in Italy ; otherwise, he will follow him into Spain. This he told me himself ; and I said I wished to know no further than he pleased. Hesdin begins to come into favor with the Queen Regent. He has lately lost his wife, and means in eight or ten days to go into England for his pastime. On the 4th my lord and lady of Nassau left the court for Bredal. He desired to procure from England two of the best biting dogs that might be had. My reason for desiring to obtain my old arrear is to spend it in some serving silver vessel, more for the King's honor than otherwise. So far, as I can see, the Queen Regent and her Council have no desire to begin a question with their neighbours. The Pope has consented to allow the Emperor one half-year's rent of all the ecclesiastics in these Low Countries in aid of the charges he has sustained this last year in resisting the Turks, chargeable on all above 24 ducats a year ; but the Spiritualty made some difficulty, hoping to escape with a good composition. The Spiritualty of those parts damaged by this last inundation are exempt. I see they have more diligent writers fro that parties hither than I am to write from hence from lack of knowledge. The Captain Iwe arrived here last evening with the Emperor's letters to the Queen. He left Bologna on the 4th, and says that the duke and duchess of Savoy had arrived there before his departure, accompanied by 1,500 horse, and that the Emperor rode half a mile or more out of Bologna to meet the said Duchess. I understand the Emperor makes preparation of great triumphs, and has delayed his journey to Milan in consequence. Brussels, 15 Feb., "with gret dolour of my tothage." Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
Galba, B. X. 33. B. M.	2. Copy of the preceding. Endd.
15 Feb. Vienna Archives.	160. Chapuys to Charles V. The day my man left to go to your Majesty, the King, with a show of great confidence and friendship, sent to summon the Nuncio, desiring him, as he had been present at the assembly of the prelates and grand masters of the realm (the House of Peers), to do the same at the place of the knights and deputies of the Commons, where there would also be the ambassadors of France, viz., Montpesat, who left two days ago, laden with presents from the King, and Tinteville, his successor, who had just arrived. The Nuncio had no mind to comply, fearing some artifice to treat in his presence something prejudicial to the authority of the Holy See, as they have done before ; but that letters came from his Holiness, commanding him to try if any means could be used for bringing the King to study the general good of Christendom ; and as this gave him occasion to go to Court, he could not well excuse himself from visiting the said assembly, especially as the duke of Norfolk assured him that nothing should be said in his presence which in anyway affected the Pope. He accordingly went on this condition. They were discussing a measure against thieves, that they should not enjoy the immunity of the Church, except in a certain place. He stayed a very short time in the said assembly, in which the said ambassadors soon afterwards arrived, who, with the Nuncio, Norfolk, and others of the Council, were banqueted sumptuously at the lodging of treasurer Fitzwilliam. After dinner the Nuncio, hoping to have audience of the King, was put off till next day, in order that the new French ambassador might be heard, and also that the Nuncio might be seen more frequently in Court, for the same purpose that he was called to the said assembly,—which was, as the Duke frankly confessed to him, that all the world might see the great friendship and good understanding they had with his Holiness. By this presumption, as I lately wrote to your Majesty, they expect to make their profit as regards the people and the prelates, who have hitherto supported the authority of the Holy See, both in the Queen's matter and in everything else ; who now, for the above reason, fearing to go against the Pope, dare not utter a syllable, as I am told by the bishop of Rochester, unless the Nuncio encourage them again, as he has promised to do, and which it is very necessary to do to take away the said presumption. The day after the appointment made with him the Nuncio spoke to the King, using several arguments to incline him to the said universal union. The King, after saying that he was a small prince, without power, and in a corner of the world by himself, replied that he would send a full answer to his Holiness by Dr. Bonart ; by whom I do not think he has sent any determination, or anything good, for, as I am informed, neither the Duke nor the bishop of Winchester had anything to do with the said despatch, but only Cromwell and the archbishop of Canterbury. Dr. Bonart, who was to have set out for Rome a long time ago, only left yesterday. One cause of his delay, as I learn, was to consult about a document they have just discovered, by which they pretend to show irrefragable proof that the Queen was known by Prince Arthur ; of which document the King has got a copy made, and has required the bishop of (levesque dabole?), (fn. 1) who holds for the Queen, to set his seal to the transumpt. As I have written to Granvelle, it really proves nothing at all. Nevertheless, the Queen is much distressed by it, saying that the world will think she made a false oath between the hands of cardinal Campeggio. The Lady within the last eight days, dining in her chamber, has said several times she felt it as sure as death that the King would marry her shortly ; and her father told the earl of Rutland two days ago that the King did not mean to be so dilatory (respectif) as he had been, but would complete the marriage with his daughter, which being once done by the authority of Parliament, they could pacify objectors more easily than now. And on his asking the Earl whether, if it were set forth in Parliament, he would oppose the King, he being the King's kinsman, the Earl replied that the affair was spiritual, and could not be decided in Parliament. The father on this attacked him with abusive language (rechargea de grosses parolles), as if he had uttered some great blasphemy, and compelled him to say that he would consent to whatever the King wished ; of which things the said Earl sent to inform me immediately, in order that some remedy might be found, without trusting that any of the Parliament would dare to contradict. The Lady's father has not declared himself until the present time ; but, as the duke of Norfolk has told me several times, has rather dissuaded the King from it than otherwise. This thing throws the Queen into great doubt, connected with other appearances, as that of a new Chancellor whom the King has made, suited to his purpose ; and for this reason the King has required that three bishops who held the Queen's side should be excused from it, and he has deputed as proctors (fn. 2) those who pleased him ; of which the Queen has charged me to write to you. The King's ministers not only attempt to conceal the execution of the brief here, menacing with great penalties those who dare speak of it, but also disseminate a report that the Pope and your Majesty consent to the marriage. This is done with a view of securing the entire consent of the Parliament. And to obviate this, as the sentence cannot be had so suddenly, it will be necessary to obtain a reäggravatoire and a general interdict, by virtue of which your Majesty can forbid in this country the contract in such a way that they cannot contradict or conceal it ; and this is the only true means of bringing the King to reason, as I have written to you before. As to the affairs of Scotland, it seems that the men here, in consequence of the tardiness used in equipping their four vessels, of which I lately wrote to you ; and as the duke of Norfolk and no other gentleman of consequence is likely to go there, they think that the gentleman sent from France will conclude a suspension of war to their honor, to which they would gladly condescend, fearing aid from Denmark ; but principally that the foresaid interdict ... during the war ; and I think, certainly, that if the King had not thought that the partizans of Douglas would have risen, he would never have commenced this fire, which has cost him much, and accomplished nothing ; but I hear this is not likely, as they are indignant with the Earl for the cruelty he has exercised in his raids,—plundering and burning everything. The said vessels will sail in three days. Some say they have been despatched to prevent the Scots going to Flanders and obtaining ammunition and supplies. London, 15 Feb. 153[3]. Hol., Fr., pp. 3. From a modern copy.
16 Feb. R. O.	161. H. Abbot Of Tewkesbury to Cromwell. I thank you for your kindness to me and the abbey of Tewkesbury. I have received your letters dated the 12th Feb., desiring to have the farm of Stanwey by lease, and that Ric. Tracy, my neighbour, should have a former grant thereof, whose favor and interest you have obtained. He has no grant, though he has been a suitor for it. The manor place, and divers members belonging, are clearly to be excepted, at a reasonable rent. For the space of 100 years this manor was never let to farm, but occupied for the victualling of our house. I am content you shall have it for your use and profit, or one of your friends, so that he is agreeable to our monastery, and resident, and keep the same in repair, and at a reasonable rent. Tewkesbury, 16 Feb. Hol., pp. 2. Add. : Keeper of the Jewels. Endd.
17 Feb. Camusat, 32.	162. Francis I. to Clement VII. Has received his letters respecting the Council. Has already signified his desire that it should take place. Paris, 17 Feb. 1532. Lat.
17 Feb. R. O. St. P. IV. 636.	163. Sir George Lawson to Henry VIII. On Saturday six ships out of Scotland passed by, supposed to be ships of war to intercept corn coming to Berwick. Has sent warning along the coast to the Humber. There is some corn already come to Aylemouth and Holy Island, and if these ships do not stop it the garrisons will soon have plenty. The king of Scots came to Haddington on Thursday 13th, and Murray rode from the Borders to Lauder to meet him. Learning by Angus's spies that the Scots meant to enter on Friday and burn Cornell or Wark, the Council at Berwick wrote to my Lord Warden. Sends copy. That day ascertained by Geo. Douglas's spies the lords by whom Murray was accompanied, (list enclosed), the king of Scots being then at Mewros, and wrote again to my Lord Warden to come to Forde, so that the garrisons might assemble at Crookham Stone. Last Sunday George Douglas told the Council at Norham he had certain knowledge that Murray had ridden to the Scotch king at Peebles, to arrange about burning Crookedale or Glendale on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night. Murray and the lords are at Jedworth, and have about 4,000 inlandsmen, besides those of Tevedale and the Merse, making 10,000 in all. The Council on this wrote to my Lord Warden to warn the country to meet him at Chillingham or Berwick. That Sunday, Clifford, with Angus, &c., rode to meet Sir Arthur Darcy, Sir Ric. Tempest, and Sir Will. Evers about Etall. The Scots came not that night ; but we keep good watch continually. Berwick, 17 Feb. Signed. Add. ii. Enclosure giving the names of the Scotch lords lying in Tevedale ; viz., the earls of Murray, Montrose, and Rothose, lords Gray, Ogleby, Dromond, Rovell, and the constable of Dunde ; the lairds of Wymes Reythe, Bagonye, Fentre, Coollanrye, and Loughlylle.
17 Feb. R. O.	164. Launcelot Colyns to Cromwell. I have received your letters by Thos. Barton, directing me to receives an obligation signed and sealed by Barton himself, and to see it executed by all the others named in it. I received it sealed not only by Barton, but by Ric. Dalby, to which I objected ; nevertheless, by Barton's consent, I have assigned the 7th March for all persons named to be with me at York to execute it. York, 17 Feb. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Of the King's Council.
17 Feb. R. O.	165. Nich. Dey, Lieutenant, and three others, to Cromwell. Received his letter by Anthony Carsidone, dated London, 13 Feb. Went with him to Thomas Godard, clerk to the recorder, and, he being out, showed the books to Carsidone. Found an entry of an action in them ; but no attorney was entered. Hampton, 17 Feb. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Of the King's Council.
18 Feb. R. O.	166. Sir John Mablisteyn to Sir Giles Russell, Commander of Badisforde and Dyngley. Have had no news from sea for a long time, except that the ship by which Mr. Turcoplier went has arrived safe at Missena. The Pope and the Emperor met this Christmas at Bonony. The Emperor intends to send aid to the garrisons left by Andrew Doryo in Morea. Thinks his responsion will come in good time, and more surely when he comes himself. My Lord will grant visitors for Ambros Cave at the next assembly, which should have been held before this, but he fears that when he holds it he will be importuned to grant some things which he would be loth to do. Asks him to favor Mr. Farman, merchant of London, who desires a certain copy to the value of 8s., which would be commodious to his ground. His brother is clerk of the Crown, and may divers ways do pleasure to the religion. St. John's, London, 18 Feb. 1532. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd. : R. 21 Feb. 1532.
18 Feb. R. O.	167. Ni. Bishop Of Ely to Cromwell. Is glad to bear of his prosperity. Begs his favor in such suits as he shall have to the King, as his whole trust shall be in Cromwell, and if it be in his power to do Cromwell a service Cromwell may rely on him. "Thus I am bold to write unto you, desiring your favor, and the rather moved thereunto because of our native country, and that we be god-brothers, praying you to accept my nephew Thomas Meggs or such other as shall have access unto you in my causes." Downham beside Ely, 18 Feb. P.S. in his own hand : If I find you good to me as I trust, you shall have a token of St. Andrew from me every year, as the bearer will show you. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Master Crumwell, councillor to the King. Endd.
18 Feb. Cleopatra, E. IV. 30. B. M. Ellis, 3 Ser. II. 257.	168. Ric. Lyst to Cromwell. I understand that when father Forest was last with the King, his Grace laid certain things against him, and was not content with him. On his return here he showed these things in writing to the Warden, and caused him to declare them to the convent. There was nothing contained therein specially against Forest ; so if the King did charge him particularly, he has turned it from him to the whole religion, which for the most part has not offended in the things that Forest mentioned. He also rehearsed in the chapter house what you said to him before my lord of Norfolk, but likewise turned this from himself to the whole religion, after his old manner, but he is most faulty himself. He is sore offended with you because you have been plain with him and showed him the truth ; but you need not care for his displeasure. He says that he will labor to the King to get out of your hands all such letters as I and others have written about him, that he may get us punished, though we have written nothing but truth. Our fathers have made a law that whoever shows any act done secretly in the religion, or makes any complaint of any in the religion to secular persons, shall be grievously punished. If he can obtain particular knowledge of us and get our letters, we shall have the unmerciful punishment of their indiscreet statutes ; but we trust that the King and you will not suffer us to be punished for speaking the truth. If the King and you had not had knowledge of the privy chance that happened among us, many of our preachers would have preached openly this Lent against the King, and on the Queen's part ; but this privy chance concerning brother Raynscroftys death is a great stay, and a stopping morsel, for father Forest especially, and us generally, so that none of us dare say or do anything to offend the King or you, or any belonging to either of you. It is feared amongst us that the King will make a great matter because of Raynscrofte's suspect death, as a like chance happened at the convent of Richmond 16 years ago. Within less than three-quarters of a year five of our brethren have gone over the walls out of our religion,—three from this house, and two from Richmond. I think if they had been well treated by our fathers they would not have taken that way. I understand that since they have gotten "capssytees and exemsyons" out of the religion. I wish you to burn all my letters, for I intend to write a long "pystyll" to father Forest, containing all his faults and transgressions among us, for which he has always avoided punishment. I shall remind him of them, that in this holy time of Lent he may be sorry for them, and make some amends to God and the religion. I shall mention his unfaithful and indiscreet conduct towards the King and you, and will show you a copy of the letter, if he take it not well secundum evangelium, to which, I think, his perfection will not extend. Since you first rebuked him for his indiscreet words about you, of which I gave you knowledge, he will never speak to me, nor show any tokens outward that he is in charity with me. I shall, therefore, write my mind to him. He has reported behind my back that I have privily accused the religion of murder to the King and you, for which I ought to be punished, and has set all the brethren here and at Richmond against me. Neither he nor any one else can tell that I gave the King and you first knowledge of Raynscrofte's death, except the King, you, or Dr. Goodryke, who, I think, have not, for I sent the King and you word by Dr. Goodryke, that you should come to the knowledge of Raynscrofte's death by another means than me. Thos. Peerson, a young preacher in this house, is as much against the King's cause as he dare, and, when his Grace was last at Greenwich, reproved Dr. Corant for preaching against the Queen. Forest favours Peerson more than any other ; and when he was last with the King, took him with him and commended him for his learning. The conversation between Peerson and Corant was in our library, before the King and you had heard of Raynscrofte's death. Forest and the Warden have tried to send me to Southampton, but I have prevented it. While here I can help myself by my acquaintance, but if I were sent to a convent far off, I am in doubt how I should be ordered, as Forest has put me in such a great infamy, and set the religion against me. I beseech you to be good to me in time to come, if I need any help, as all that I have done has been for the King's honor, your worship, and the honor of the "lady marcas of Pembroke," and to set father Forest and the religion at a good stay against the King and the "lady Marcus," and you, who have been offended by divers of them in times past. Would have done much more for the King's cause, if I could. Apologises for the length of his letter, but will not trouble Cromwell again till Easter, except for some urgent cause. Greenwich, 18 Feb. It would be a great comfort to him to speak to Cromwell when he comes to Greenwich. Hol., p. 1. Add. : Master Cromwell. Endd.
18 Feb. R. O.	169. John Bishop Of Exeter to Cromwell. On sight of your letters this day, I have devised the letters enclosed to the prior of Bodman for preferment of Dan Thos. Wanswurthe to be prior of Bodmin. I beg to have convenient days of payment for my convicts lately escaped ; for though I am in the Marches partly at the King's charges, I spare of my revenues little at the year's end. Ludlow, 18 Feb. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Of the Council. Endd.
18 Feb. R. O.	170. Waltham Holy Cross. Warrant under the King's sign manual to Cromwell, master of the Jewels, to pay to Thos. Roberts 220l. for certain lands in Waltham Holy Cross, Essex, purchased by Cromwell and others to the King's use. Westm., 18 Feb. 24 Hen. VIII.
19 Feb. R. O.	171. John Whalley to Cromwell. I am informed that Henry Wynkefeld, comptroller of Yarmouth, performs his office mainly by a deputy, a young man ; and also Bryan, the customer of the same, some time an auditor, is now in London, lodged within the White Friars in Fleet Street, and dines every day at the sign of the "St. John's Head," in Ludgate. This I heard this Wednesday at Esterforde, in Essex, eight miles from Colchester. I beg that the said Bryan may be informed that you have sent me down to Yarmouth to receive such wines belonging to the King as are mentioned in your letter directed to them both. Colchester, 19 Feb. 1532. Hol., p. 1. Add. : Right worshipful. Endd.
20 Feb. R. O.	172. Thos. Wynter to Cromwell. Among all my misery I think myself happy in your protection. Many offer their assistance, provided my fortunes improve, but in calamity fall away ; but I have always found you the same. I would that you should always be told that through your kindness I was freed from debt, and the bond of Amadas was quashed. I thank you for having obtained from the King my liberty to study. If the bishop of Lincoln were asked by you, he would easily pay the 20l. he has owed me for some years. You will easily learn from George (Hempton) why I sent him home. I recommend him to you as a very good and diligent servant. I cannot be without some news of my country, and he will send me information. Let him know what you will have me do. I send you the letters I have written to the King, unsealed, that you may read them. If you can prevail with the King to accept of my work and good will, you will have surpassed all former favors. And what can you not effect? Padua, 20 Feb. Hol., Lat., pp. 2. Add. : Patrono suo benignissimo.