Henry VIII: July 1524, 1-10 | British History Online

Pages 197-205

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

Citation:

July 1524



1 July. R. O.	465. MARGARET OF SAVOY to HENRY VIII.
	Has received his letters by the master of his ordnance, the bearer, and has shown him their artillery, that he may choose from it for the King's service. Malines, 1 July 1524. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add. Endd. in two different hands: "Flandria. Ad Regem, 1 July 1524."—"Flandria. Reddit. 6 Julii."
2 July. Vit. B. VI. 120. B. M.	466. PACE to WOLSEY.
	The captain-general of the fleet sent word yesterday that the French army and his were very near together at a port in Provence, named Antib[o], and he would have stricken battle, but they fled. The French have more ships, but fewer men, and less expert. He then took the town and castle of Antibo. Yesterday the town and castle of Villa Nova was yielded to Bourbon; and he sent a trumpet to another large town, named Grace (Grassy), to bid the people yield, and not wait to be besieged; and he thinks they will yield, as they have refused to admit 500 men sent by the French king. These three towns are very convenient for victualling the army. Bourbon cannot sleep for joy, but would set forward before the army is together. Pescara and Pace commend his good will, but restrain him, that everything may go on in order. Bourbon hears from Switzerland that at the last diet, when Francis asked for 6,000 to defend his own person, they answered that he should have them when he pays all his debts and pensions, public and private; and it is therefore deferred till another diet. They demand 300,000 cr., which he cannot now pay at his ease; but he has sent a treasurer to pay part, and make some practices to get men. They do not think much here of 6,000 or 12,000 Swiss. Francis must be in great perplexity; for if he has a small number, they can do him no good, and if he has a great number he cannot pay them. The Admiral accuses them to the French king of the loss of Italy and his army, and they have sent certain captains to defend themselves. Likes this contention, for the French king is not likely to win anything thereby. Has written to Clerk as Wolsey wished. The French king has made a proclamation at Marsilia that all merchants, except English, shall have free passage by sea. The chief power of the French king is the Italians, who came out of Italy with Federico de Boz[zolo], because they could get no wages of [any] other man. They do not number more than 4,000, and had orders to go to Picardy, but are still in Dauphiny. News has just come that Francis has increased his army at sea, evidently fearing to lose Mars[eilles]. which is not too strong to take, as Bourbon is informed by three or four gentlemen who have just come to him. It is not yet decided whether they will besiege it or not. S. Laurence in Provence, 2 July.
	Hol., pp. 5. Add. Endd.
2 July. Vesp. F. XIII. 108. B. M.	467. ALBANY to WOLSEY.
	Requests him to despatch the bearer speedily with an answer that there may be no delay. "A Sein Sauveur de Dive." 2 July.
	P.S.—Sends his compliments to the King.
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: Abp. of York, cardinal and legate.
3 July. R. O.	468. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	Encloses a letter received today from the captain of Boulogne, with a copy of his answer. Has granted his requst for the cessation of "courses" for a time, because Wolsey, in his letter dated Westm., 20 June, said it would be policy of the French to sue for peace, which was in a very good train, and it would not be beneficial to do anything against them. Wishes to know how to act. It is needful for Fitzwilliam to see the King before the conclusion of peace, on matters concerning the county of Guisnes. If he does speak with him, doubts not he can get the county inhabited the first year, and the King have his rents; but if he does not, it cannot be done in three years. Guisnes, 3 July.
	Hears for certain the French have assembled on the frontier in great numbers, with ordnance from Boulogne, and that they intend to invade Burgundy, and then revictual Terouenne. The Burgundians are much afraid at the report that Henry has made peace with France. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.
4 July. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 278. B. M.	469. The EARL OF ANGUS to DACRE.
	Arrived in London 28 June, and has spoken with the King, Cardinal, and Council, "the quhelck has tackin with me auls vel is vos possabil, and battar nor me pertenit." Begs Dacre to stand good lord to him and his friends as he has done in time past, to warn them of his coming, and to forward the enclosed writings to his brother, his cousin John Somarval and the Queen. London, 4 July 1524. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.
5 July. R. O.	470. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	Since writing last, the captain of Boulogne has written to ask for an abstinence of war till Monday next, by which time he supposes Fitzwilliam will hear the King's pleasure in the matter. Refused an abstinence, but promised that the men under his rule here should not make any course into the French king's territory till he heard from the King, if the captain would make a similar promise. Wishes, therefore, to know the King's pleasure with all diligence. 15,000 or 16,000 French are assembled on the frontiers, with 10 pieces of ordnance, five or six being double curtaulx. They intend to revictual Terouenne, and made a course into Burgundy on their return. Guisnes, 5 July. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace.
5 July. Vit. B. VI. 123. B. M.	471. PACE to WOLSEY.
	Have been compelled to stay here four days, waiting for the men-at-arms and Almains passing the mountains, which are the highest and most terrible Pace has ever seen, although he has passed the worst in all nations. Bourbon intends to start tomorrow for Grace, which they will take by surrender or force. The captain of the town has detained the Duke's trumpet, and made him good cheer. Before their arrival, the French proclaimed that Bourbon came to burn, kill, and destroy; but he and the whole army have behaved so well to the common people, that they begin to come in and offer victuals. He has proclaimed that he does not mean to harm them, but give them their liberty. By these means 300 of the best men have come to serve him, and they will be well entertained that they may publish it among the rest. The prince of Orange was taken prisoner at sea yesterday by his own fault, and Sir Edw. Guylford's son with him. If Pace's letters do not come as fast as Wolsey would wish, he must remember that the way is long, and full of mountains and thieves. S. Laurence in Province, 5 July.
	Bourbon and all the army intend to fight, whether Francis comes in person or not. Is troubled at hearing nothing from Russell.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
5 July.	472. PRIORY OF HOLY TRINITY, LONDON.
	Congé d'élire to the sub-prior and president on the death of John Bradwell, prior. Westm., 5 July.
	Pat. 16 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 5.
6 July. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 279. B. M.	473. HENRY VIII. to QUEEN MARGARET.
	It was formerly reported that she seemed to incline to Albany's faction, to the increase of his reputation and authority; but he now perceives with gladness that she only seemed to do so that she might not be driven from her son, but might take care of his safety. This is confirmed by her letters of June 19, declaring her wish that he might have his proper position and authority, and throw off the governance usurped by Albany, with her advice and opinion that this might be done now better than at any other time. Prays her to persevere in this intent; and, to give her more courage to do so, tells her that the earl of Angus, whom he finds to be her loving and faithful servant and husband, has secretly conveyed first his brother and next himself out of France, intending first to reconcile himself to her, and then to assist in procuring a peace. He has asked the King to allow a diet to be made between noblemen to be chosen on either side. Intends to send him towards Scotland for the advancement of his desire, as Margaret thinks good. Will also send Norfolk as his lieutenant to meet the Chancellor, "who is as mean a person as may be deputed for this purpose." Desires nothing more than to see his nephew out of his present danger, which will increase if Albany returns before some good way is taken. Trusts to prevent him, although he cannot easily return, as he is suspected by the French king and his mother, and the French king can spare him neither men nor money. Exhorts her to take this opportunity of delivering her country from war, and defending it from its enemies. Desires credence for Dacre and Norfolk. Given, &c., 6 July 1524.
	Pp. 3. Headed: Copy, &c.
6 July. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 273. B. M. Hearne's Otterbourne, II. 617.	474. WOLSEY to DACRE.
	First William Douglas, and then his brother the earl of Angus, have escaped from France and come hither. The King and Wolsey have had sundry conferences with them; and though, from what the King heard in times past, it seemed that the Earl was a young man not of the best knowledge and experience, it appears that since he has been in France he has greatly amended, and has now good understanding in matters of wisdom and policy. He showed the great extremity to which the French king is reduced, having lost the best of his men, and all his ordnance, and being now invaded by Bourbon with 24,000 foot and 8,000 horse, who have already taken some places in Provence. Several of his nobles too have revolted, and more are likely to. Angus had come secretly from France to the King, as the only refuge and comfort of his sovereign, to offer his assistance for peace, considering the danger of Scotland in the present war, if they put their trust in the French king and Albany. He thought the time most convenient, on account of the low state of France and the little favor in which Albany is held by the French king and his mother, who suspect him of belonging to Bourbon's faction. Angus therefore desires a meeting to be held on the Borders, which he will further at his arrival in Scotland.
	The King, after deliberating with his Council, although he intended to continue his wars till Albany was expelled, has decided to grant his request; the rather, as the Queen is also desirous of it; and if the Scots are of the same inclination, he will send the duke of Norfolk to meet the Chancellor, who is as "mean" as any in Scotland for the purpose. Dacre must inform the Chancellor of this, and find out whether he will keep the meeting, showing that the matter entirely proceeds from Angus's request; and by declaring the great causes which induced the Earl to leave France and make this suit, he may make the Chancellor the more inclined to come. And it is thought he will be so; for though the Lords cannot conclude anything without Albany's assent, they will think to put off the time, and cause hostility to cease, till Albany's return. Angus wishes this matter to be done with celerity, and will go thither with all diligence to advance it. Dacre must therefore use all speed to discover the Chancellor's mind, and persuade him to do it, without showing it to proceed from this side.
	Wishes his answer as soon as possible. Tells him as a secret, not to be disclosed to the Chancellor or any other, that if the diet cannot take effect, Norfolk is instructed to set on foot other practices for the erection of the young King into his own estate; and for that purpose a letter is sent from the King to the Queen, with others from Angus, which must be delivered. He must spread a bruit of Angus's intercession, and the King's consent after long sticking. Angus will be meanwhile sent to the Borders to find out what towardness there is for peace, and what friends he will have in case it is necessary to use any other means to set the Scotch king at liberty, and how he may "allecte" the Scotch lords by doulce, pleasant and fair means, and by promise of money and rewards. The enterprise for the erection of the young King must be kept secret till Norfolk arrives. Tells him of it, that he may meanwhile order himself so as best to further it when it is required, and that he may find out the best means to gain some of the Scotch lords "to the King's devotion;" with whom, and how, practices may be set on foot; how the Queen likes Angus's coming, and whether they can be reconciled, that he with his friends may the better assist the King. He will then be able to advise Angus, when he arrives, how to proceed till Norfolk's coming, who will thence advance such practices as will produce some notable effect. He must take special regard to conceal the circumstance of the King's intent, and must send the King's and Angus's letters, so that those who have the young King in their charge may not suspect anything, and send him further into the country, which would make matters more difficult. Angus's coming and the meeting must be outwardly only for peace. Knowledge may, however, be given to them of the French king's difficulties, and the small chance of Albany's returning with aid, as the French king can spare neither men nor money. Angus's coming to procure peace may cause the nobles to be the more easily drawn "to the King's devotion;" and at Norfolk's coming practices may be set on foot for his "erection," and establishing a perfect peace. Angus will leave in two days, and Norfolk will not be long after him. If the matter is well followed, Albany will be prevented from returning in a short time; and the King has sent an army to the sea, so that he will not venture to come without a large force, which he will not be able easily to collect. The success of these matters will be as honorable and profitable to the King as the conquest of a good portion of Scotland. Leaves the conduct thereof to Dacre. Asks to be advertised with diligence of any news. Westm., 6 July. Signed.
	Pp. 7. Add.
6 July. Calig. D. VIII. 302. B. M.	475. [FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.]
	Wrote yesterday that the French were assembled in great force on the frontier, and had marched with ... of ordnance towards Therouenne. They are now encamped near it, at a place called Faulcomb[erg], from which they may revictual the town. They are said to be at least 12,000 or 14,000. Last night they sent 1,500, with three or four pieces of ordnance, to the castle of Alkynes, a league and a half from Tournaham, and besieged it. This day they made a breach, and won it by assault, and have retired with booty. Being informed of their great strength, I sent a herald to see where they were. In returning today he came by Tournaham, the captain of which received him, and made him drink. He found a French prisoner, lately taken, who said openly, in presence of the captain, that peace was made between England and France, and that the Dauphin would shortly be crowned and married to my lady Princess. Guisnes, 6 July. Signature lost.
	P. 1, mutilated.
[7 July.]	476. GARDINER to WOLSEY.
	The letter attributed to this date in the State Papers belongs to the year 1529. See 12 Aug. in that year.
7 July. R. O.	477. CLEMENT VII. to WOLSEY.
	The Order of Friars Observants seem to suspect that Wolsey will visit and reform them. Knows that he will act with wisdom, but requests him not to attempt anything on account of the magnitude of the Order, and the estimation in which it is held throughout the word; for though good may be done in England, an occasion would be furnished for disturbances elsewhere. They could not have obtained their present position without divine grace and good works. In these troublous times, their goodwill and the opinion of others about them can do a great deal. They might bear Wolsey's visitation quietly, but they would fear that the same thing would be attempted in other provinces: which they would not bear, as they have rules and superiors, whom they are bound to obey. He must therefore think of the good of Christendom rather than that of England, and make use of gentleness and tact, rather than severity, in admonishing them. Rome, 7 July 1524.
	Lat., vellum. Add. Endd.
7 July. Vit. B. VI. 96*. B. M.	478. CHRISTOPHER CARDINAL ARA CŒLI to WOLSEY.
	The agent of the Order in which he was brought up has asked the Cardinal to write to Wolsey to give up his intended visitation. They do not object to it on account of any personal feeling against Wolsey, but because the precedent might cause them some injury under his successor. Will be very grateful to Wolsey if he will accede to the request. Rome, Nonis Quintilibus, 1524. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Address pasted on the preceding leaf.
7 July. R. O.	479. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	Since he wrote last, there has been so much rain that he could not carry any ordnance into Boulonnaise, and he will not be able to do so till the roads are dried. Has, however, made two "courses." In the former, the party was discovered before they came to the place intended, and so took but 25 kine and 8 prisoners; but in the other, last night, he sent out all the adventurers to a place between Samer and Boulogne, with some horse to assist them, and they brought back 45 prisoners, sevenscore kine, fourscore and odd mares, and more than two wagon loads of beds and other beggage, which will be sufficient to keep the adventurers for a month. The greater part of the 300 men whom the King is sending over came to Calais four days ago, but no more than 150 are come hither, though the deputy of Calais has made proclamation that they are to leave that town. Asks for a commission or letter from the King, to say it is his pleasure that they should come hither, for some say they were commanded to go no further that Calais. The Frenchmen on these frontiers say there will be peace. An archer of the viscount of Laphydane came today to ask for a month's respite for the ransom of himself and other of his fellows, though it amounts only to 200 cr., to which he consented. He said it was reported in Paris that there would be peace. Has several times asked the Burgundians at St. Omers and Eyre to join him in some enterprise, but they always excuse themselves. Hears, however, they mean to make a course by themselves, which they have not done for a long time, although his poor garrison has fetched some booties as far as Dornams. When he has assembled these new men, trusts to go as far into the country as has ever been done either this war or the last. Guisnes, 7 July. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add. To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.: Redditæ x. Julii.
7 July. R. O.	480. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	The French have revictualled Terouenne, and taken two little castles, Alkynes and Lynke, on the Burgundian frontier, as he wrote yesterday. They have now retired from Faulconbergue to Bomye, which is further from Guisnes. Thinks, therefore, they do not intend any new enterprise here or about Turnehen, the captain of which was in great fear when the French were near, as the place was out of order and ill provided. Promised to send him men and powder; but Mons. de Gappayn came thither with 200 Spaniards, who were sufficient. Gappayne sends word that Fynes is come to Eyre with all the horsemen of Hennault, Arras, St. Omers and other places, and has assembled a great band of Burgundians, intending to fight the French if they keep the field two days longer. If the French had come hither, trusts "they should not have found this house unfurnished, but that they should have had their welcome little to their ease." Supposes Wolsey has by this time advertised him of the King's pleasure in the matter mentioned in his last three letters. Guisnes, 7 July. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.
8 July. Er. Ep., ed. 1642.	481. JOHN LUD. VIVES to JOHN BISHOP OF LINCOLN, the King's Confessor.
	Thinks that the present war is against the wishes of all concerned in it. The Spaniards say that in the islands of the New World, when war breaks out, he is considered to be the most deserving of distinction who desires peace, and he the least who refuses it. Launches out against the folly of war. Richard Pate, your sister's son, and Antony Barcher, your dependant, are wonderfully studious. Bruges, 8 July 1524.
	Lat.
8 July. R. O.	482. DACRE to WOLSEY.
	According to his letter dated Westm., 11 June, has today kept a session. Wm. Charleton, of Bellingeham in Tyndale, and his brother Roger, have been executed. Thos. Charlton, of Caryteth, is acquitted, but will be tried on another charge. Two of the Robsons who were taken with Robt. Robson, of Byndmyrehill, have been executed, and the third acquitted. A noted thief, named Percival Grene, who fled, and "took the benefice of Scotland," will be hung in chains, and three others will be executed with him. Has more who were not brought forth. Will do all he can for the administration of justice, by keeping warden courts and sessions. On Tuesday the 5th sent his brother Sir Philip into Scotland, with Sir Rauf Fenwick, Leonard Musgrave, Edw. Aglyonby, and John Tempest, being 1,000 men in all. They burnt Smalholme, a great town four miles above Kelso, which was not burnt for many years. On their way home, with much cattle and plunder, the Scots of Tevidale and the Marshmen, to the number of 2,000, who intended to make a raid into England, saw them, and, dismounting, lay closely in their way. The English also dismounted, put them to flight, and chased them, killing about 30, and taking 300 prisoners and three standards. A part of the Scots, however, set upon their rear while they were scattered, killing John Heron the Bastard, and six others, and taking Sir Rauf Fenwick, Leonard Musgrave, and about 20 prisoners, besides rescuing some of the Scotch prisoners. When the remainder of the English heard it, they returned, and chased the Scots off the field. They have brought 200 persons home with them, but the Scots have carried away Fenwick and Musgrave. Andrew Ker, warden of the Middle Marches of Scotland, and Mark Ker, his uncle, are hurt so that it is thought they cannot live. Has no news from Scotland, except that the Scots intend to "stick at" the promise they made to Albany. Morpeth, the 8th night of July. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace. Endd.: "Reddit. 13 Julii."
Add. MS. 24,965, f.267. B. M.	2. Copy in Dacre's Letter-book, dated 8 July 16 Hen. VIII.
9 July. Vit. B. VI. 128. B. M.	483. PACE to WOLSEY.
	Wrote last about Bourbon's determination to take Grace. He sent the artillery by sea by reason of certain evil p[assa]gis by land; and the French yesterday suddenly attacked the galleys containing it, near the land. 300 Spaniards and Italians entered into three of the gallies, and fought the French for four hours. Many men were slain. If there was any victory, it was by reason of their artillery, as the French were much more numerous, having 24 ships to their 17. Could not keep Bourbon from the seaside, although it rained gunstones. Both he and Beauren were in great jeopardy. Commended his valor, but desired him to keep his person for a more honorable conflict. He answered that saving his artillery touched his honor so much that he could do no otherwise. He is so manly, and so full of audacity, that it would be better he had less than more. Are trying now to get the artillery to shore, and then to proceed. Reminds Wolsey of his letters of May 28, in which he said that the King's money should come before they required it, and that Pace was to procure the passage over the mountains as quickly as possible. Can say that he alone conveyed them over so hastily, and Bourbon was glad to please the King about it, hoping to have had his money when he entered France; but now he has been here eight days, taken two towns, and likely to take a third, and he has received a letter from Flanders, of June 19, that Russell was there, and did not know when he should leave; which has much troubled him. Desired him to have no doubt about the coming of the money, and to keep Pace in pledge; to which he answered that he would do what he could with the Emperor's money, and the little he has of his own, that it shall be seen there is no fault in him.
	He said that there was one difficulty about the Emperor's money,—that though it is at Genoa, it is paid by parcels; and if the King's money had been here, this difficulty would have been obviated, for one would have helped the other. It is death to ... to see such negligence as this, for if any man but an Englishman had had charge of the money it would have been here long ago. If Pace had known of it when at Mechlyne, he would have taken charge of it without guides, except to Namours, out of the way of Robt. de la Marche. All the money sent must be money comptable, or it will be useless, both on account of the loss by exchange and the delay of payment, which will cause mutinies. One penny in time is worth three out of time. If the money does not lack, much will be done for the King's purpose, for the French king will be put to intolerable expense, and the Duke is determined to fight. However the battle ends, it will serve Henry's purpose, especially for [what he] intends to do next summer. The only thing that can hinder the army is the slow sending of the money. Bourbon tells him that the Emperor is bound by a treaty with him to enter France personally by Parpinian, when he hears that Bourbon is in Provence. De la Roche is coming to Rome by land. In haste from S.L[au]rence in Provence, 9 July.
	Writes daily to Clerk.
	Hol., mutilated, pp. 7. Add. Endd. twice.
9 July. R. O.	484. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.
	Wrote in his last that he had heard from Mons. de Gappayne that the French had retreated from Faulconberge to Bomye. The latter part is not true, for they stopped and are now near Faulconberge revictualling Terouenne. There is a report, as he wrote, that M. de Fynes is come to Eyre. He has a great band of horse and foot, and will give battle to the French today or tomorrow, if they keep the field so long, which he hardly thinks they will. Lord Sandys arrived yesterday. Went to him immediately, and learnt from him the King's pleasure as to the ordering of the garrisons. Has received Wolsey's letter, desiring his return. Will come when he has seen to the garrison, and when he hears that the French have retired broken. Calais, 9 July. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd.
10 July. Add. MS. 24,965, f.268. B. M.	485. DACRE to QUEEN MARGARET.
	Sends letters from the King, Wolsey, and Angus, who is arrived in England. The King is heartily well contented with the letters she sent to him by Sir Wm. Bulmer, and will show what favor he bears to her, whatever grudges have been heretofore. Advises her to "stick to her mark," for the prosperity and welfare of her son and herself, that she may have the rule and governance of him. She will see by the King's letter that he desires credence for Dacre. Asks pardon for his rude and untoward writings, for when he can speak with her he can show her that he did not write as "largely" as he was commanded. Asks her to make a perfect and discreet answer to the King's letter, and he will send it on to him. Does not send a servant of his own, as he fears that he could not well come to her, because her son's and Albany's servants are rulers and keepers of the gates. Morpath, 10 July 16 Hen. VIII.
	P. 1. Headed: "Copie of a lettre to the Quenes grace of Scotlande, aftre the receipt of my lorde Cardinalles lettre bering date at his place besides Westm., 6 July, which is sewed in herafter."
10 July. Add. MS. 24,965, f. 268b. B. M.	486. DACRE to the CHANCELLOR OF SCOTLAND.
	Reminds him that since Albany's departure he has several times written to him for the good of peace, but that his answers "sounded not to stop this cumbersome world that is past and now is more likely to be approaching." Assures him it is not likely to be well without the grace of God and the good help of wise men. Angus has arrived in England, and is with the King. Norfolk is going to be sent hither as the King's lieutenant, as he was last year, and is coming well furnished. For these reasons, and others which he will not now disclose, advises him to send a secret servant to whom Dacre can open more of his mind. This letter will be sufficient safe-conduct for him, with two or three more. If he does not choose to do this, but will send Dacre a safe-conduct, Dacre will send a servant to him. Asks for an answer by the bearer. Morpath, 10 July 16 Hen. VIII.
	P. 1. Headed: Copie, &c.