Pages 3130-3194
Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.
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Citation:
1528–1530
| A.D. 1528. | |
| 2 Jan. Colbert MS. 468, p. 157. Bibl. Nat. |
135. The BISHOP OF BAYONNE to MONTMORENCY. |
| Can add little to the King's letters, except to beg him to despatch this courier immediately. Has no doubt he has received his despatch of the _ ult. in cipher, in which he gave him assurance of the things of which he was in doubt. It has been necessary for De Brosse to remain during this procuration. He has acquitted himself so well that the King and Wolsey have desired to retain him. When any one goes hence, you will please to consider what Francis shall give the herald and other officers of the Order, for they ought to have presents at this installation. Does not write on his own behalf, knowing by letters of La Pommeraye that Montmorency has done more for him than he would have dared to ask. But if they do not provide promptly for this matter about the Order, and if he have to borrow, knows well he will wait long to have news of it again. Has spent since Montmorency's departure more than 1,000 cr., with the utmost possible economy. It is a great trouble to have to do with poor folks. London, 2 Jan. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 3 Jan. MS. 5,499, f. 158. Bibl. Nat. |
136. FRANCIS I. to the BISHOP OF BAYONNE. |
| Has received his long letter of the 31st ult. Thanks the Cardinal for his friendly counsel about the news from Spain and the enterprise in Italy. As to the reciprocal marriages proposed to his ambassadors in Spain, sees so great force in the Cardinal's opinion, that, even if he were at all inclined to them, Wolsey's arguments so completely dissuade him from it, that he will hold out no encouragement to the Imperialists. Is firmly determined not to make any closer alliance with the Emperor than that for which their ambassadors have received powers for the delivery of his children. Holds his alliance with England indissoluble. The ages of the parties will be a convenient excuse for refusing the proposed marriages, of which he has no doubt his ambassadors have already availed themselves. As to Milan, his ambassadors will need to have regard to Wolsey's advice. L'Esleu Bayard has gone so well instructed in that and other things that Francis trusts there will be no mistake. Is much of Wolsey's opinion about the enterprise of Italy, that, notwithstanding the Pope's liberation, it should be pushed forward more vigorously than ever. Has written to Lautrec accordingly by express courier, and has despatched today one of his valets-de-chambre to press him still further; which he is sure he will do, notwithstanding any treaty made by the Pope and the Imperialists. Has no doubt the Pope will avenge himself, by the army of Francis, for the injuries done to the Holy See. | |
| Begs to be informed about Wolsey's health. St. Germain-en-Laye, 3 Jan. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| 4 Jan. MS. 3,007, f. 7. Bibl. Nat. |
137. HENRY VIII. to FRANCIS I. |
| Thanks him for a present of hawks, sent by the bearer. Greenwich, 4 Jan. 1527. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| MS. 2,915, f. 41. Bibl. Nat. |
138. HENRY VIII. to MONTMORENCY. |
| To the same effect, and of the same date. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 5 Jan. MS. 5,499, p. 153. Bibl. Nat. |
139. MONTMORENCY to the BISHOP OF BAYONNE. |
| Since writing his other letters, Francis has received a post from Lautrec, announcing the arrival of Gambara, who is coming hither to go on to England, taking with him the treaties between the Pope and the Imperialists, which Francis is anxious to send to his ambassadors in Spain as soon as possible, to inform them of the Pope's liberation. Is desired meanwhile to send him another copy (double), which he can show to the King and Wolsey, that they may see the dishonorable demands to which the Imperialists have forced his Holiness to submit. Is to request them to do the like to their ambassadors in Spain, as Francis intends to do to his, so that by good means copies may be sent to the grandees of Spain, that they may see what has taken place; for, unquestionably, the Emperor will publish quite another version of the story. Has spoken to Francis about the son of lord Lisle's servant, who shot a Fleming at Rochelle, and Francis has pardoned him very willingly. | |
| Assures him that if all the English had killed all the Flemings in like fashion, they would not have much difficulty in getting their pardons. St. Germain, 5 Jan. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 9 Jan. MS. 5,499, p. 41. Bibl. Nat. |
140. The BISHOP OF BAYONNE and DE BROSSE to FRANCIS I. |
| On Sunday last were with the Legate at St. Paul's, in the company of all the ambassadors, who were summoned to attend. A procession was made, and solemn service performed by the bishop of London, at which a great number of prelates assisted, in honor of the Pope's deliverance. Next day, which was Twelfth Day, we were all at his lodging, where again a procession and honorable service was held, followed by a triumphal banquet, and farces played in Latin, in which the praises of the two Kings were not forgotten, nor Wolsey's either, in relation to the Pope's deliverance, and the hope of peace. After the Imperial ambassador had left, Wolsey desired those of the confederates not only to persevere in their good intentions, but even to increase their efforts. Among others, he addressed to the Venetian ambassador many remonstrances about what had occurred to Lautrec, and the little trouble that the Signory had taken in the matter; to which the ambassador replied that the Signory had done better than he supposed. Every one departed in good humour with Wolsey, especially Du Bellay, with whom he spoke at great length of the determination of Henry and himself to bring the Emperor to reason. | |
| This day and the day preceding he gave the chief place to the Imperial ambassador, which I yielded to readily, as it came from him, though I remember it was said of the late Mons. de la Bastie that he never would go where he was compelled to accept such a position, and that he had received command to that effect from you. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 9 Jan." | |
| 9 Jan. MS. 5,499, f. 154. Bibl. Nat. |
141. MONTMORENCY to the BISHOP OF BAYONNE. |
| Has been ordered by Francis and Madame to send him a despatch from Spain about the arrival of l'Esleu Bayard with the Emperor. Since he came our ambassadors have altered their conduct towards those of England, which Francis wishes to intimate to Henry and Wolsey, hoping that the past error will be redressed. Francis and Madame are much pleased with the great efforts made by Mons. de Bigonone (Wigorn., i. e. bishop of Worcester ?) for the recovery of his children. Hopes shortly to have an answer to Bayard's commission. Francis has despatched Mons. de Longueval, his maitre d'hôtel, to the Pope, to congratulate him on his deliverance. He his in good health, and proposes in a few days to make a sally, and come and see me in Chantilly. | |
| I have already written that the Pope is about to send hither Gambara to go to England. According to Castillon, who has just come thence, he may speak rather coldly. You had better warn Wolsey in that case to let him see that he is dissatisfied, that the Pope will not enter further into the league than he did before his captivity. St. Germain-en-Laye, 9 Jan. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 13 Jan. Colbert MS. 469, p. 24. Bibl. Nat. |
142. BISHOP OF BAYONNE to MONTMORENCY. |
| Sends news by the seigneur Latin, who has long been a devoted servant of Francis, and is going on to the Pope and Cardinals. Received his packet on Friday, and sent it on to Wolsey, who has been incredibly delighted with the letters of Francis and Montmorency. On Saturday Du Bellay and De Brosse had an audience of him. Yesterday he was with the King, and today he has just sent for Du Bellay. Will write at length after his interview. De Brosse will not accompany him to Wolsey, because his leg is re-opened. London, 13 Jan. | |
| Reminds him of what he lately wrote about the galleys. The King was going to the country tomorrow for a long time, but has stopped until De Brosse is despatched. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 20 Jan. MS. 5,499, p. 24. Bibl. Nat. |
143. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| You will see by the King's letters why it is that we have not made an earlier answer to your last of the 5th. Those of the 9th only arrived yesterday. De Brosse's leg has broken out again, and Du Bellay's catarrh has been very troublesome for six weeks. Whatever ground he gains in eight days, he loses in one, when he is forced to leave his room. Has plenty of fellow-sufferers, for great part of London is suffering from it. If he had not brought a physician from France, at this hour his benefices [would have been vacant], because the English do not understand medicine. Has often wished, if it had cost him his breviary, that Francis and Montmorency had written such letters as the two last. You cannot conceive what satisfaction they have given the King and Wolsey. Can say nothing more about the procuration for merchandise, he has written so frequently without having an answer. Reports a conversation with Wolsey about Gambara, and about sending Sir Gregory Casale to the duke of Ferrara. Wolsey is not satisfied with the capitulation of Ferrara, each of the allies being bound to support the Duke in what he has acquired, and thinks that the matter should be looked to without consulting the Duke. He also thinks we should be cautious, in dealing with the Florentines, not to alienate the Pope. As to the apprehended coolness of Gambara, he says he will warm him up. Recommends negociations with Nicholas, a Florentine merchant, who promises to get munitions of war out of Flanders in case of need. Sends a letter of Staphyleus, who may have been at Paris at the time Du Bellay received it. Thinks Staphyleus and the count de Carpi have but one will. De Brosse and I have used every endeavor to get Wolsey to approve this appointment with Ferrara, but to no purpose. | |
| Has intelligence that the Waywode is assembling a large army to recover what he has lost, and that Ferdinand has much difficulty in opposing him. We have received the procuration for De Brosse. | |
| Fr., pp. 7, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 20 Janvier." | |
| 20 Jan. MS. 5,409, p. 41. Bibl. Nat. |
144. DU BELLAY and DE BROSSE to FRANCIS I. |
| It is eight days since he received Francis' despatch of the 5th, containing the capitulations of the Pope with the Imperialists. Sent it on to Wolsey, with the letters of Francis and the Grand Master, knowing that they would suit his purpose admirably. Were with him by appointment next day after dinner, and did all they could to incline him towards Francis' purpose with regard to the two principal points, viz., the ratification by the Pope of the treaty of Ferrara, and the publication to be made of the articles delivered to the Pope by the Imperialists. Next day Wolsey visited the King upon the subject. Have since been twice with him, besides sending to him several times, and have urged him to make a good despatch to the English ambassadors in Spain and with the Pope, which he had admitted to be desirable. Nevertheless, it has been necessary to delay, on account of the length of the despatch, especially as, being made in English, he wished it translated into Latin, and several copies made. He is sending one to the English ambassador in France to show to Francis, and has given like instructions to those of the Emperor and the Pope; the latter of whom is to show it to the Cardinals, so as to show clearly to all Christendom the great union which exists between the two Kings. Wolsey's opinion of the two articles above-mentioned will be reported by the said ambassador. Wolsey is in great fear the Pope has made some secret treaty with the Imperialists, by which he may withdraw into the bosom (au soin, qu. sein ?) of the Emperor, if he be not received on your side to his pleasure; for which reason it is needful to deal cautiously with him, especially about Florence and Ferrara. Afterwards he may be roundly asked, and by Lautrec rather than any other, what course he intends to take. Wolsey thinks also that by skilful management, neither the Florentines nor the duke of Ferrara should be lost; for, besides that they will see Lautrec's forces too near them, they are always pleading compulsion (la main garnie). | |
| On Wednesday we were again several times with him, when we communicated your despatch of the 6th, with the procuration for Brosse, with which he was even more delighted than before, thanking you most humbly (jusques au pieds et genoulx de vostre maistre). Assuredly such despatches must tend to strengthen the friendship. He was very glad you were satisfied with the proceedings of the bishop of Worcester (Mons. de Vuiyerne), but regretted that the opinion of Bayard was so short, and contained no judgment about things to come. Explained this as due to the fact that the courier was not ours; and although the opinion was in cipher, there was danger of the letters being intercepted, and merchants would have no great difficulty in finding out the cipher. | |
| As to the matters mentioned in your letters of the 19th, viz., the answer you make about the marriage of Scotland, the words brought by the chancellor of Spain, the procuration of the Emperor, the German Diet, the letters of the Waywode, and the state of Lautrec's army:—(1.) Your answer about the marriage of Scotland has given the greatest satisfaction to the King, who came on Thursday last to dine with Wolsey. (2.) What they think about the words of the Imperial chancellor you will perceive by Wolsey's instructions for the English ambassadors in Spain; but he intends to send a new herald "pour le relevement des dites parolles." You will also observe that the English ambassadors are instructed to follow in this matter the intentions of yours. Brosse, however, will return to you shortly, fully instructed upon this affair. (3.) Wolsey thinks the diet of Germany is a matter that requires much consideration, that Ferdinand may not seize an advantage while Christendom is otherwise occupied. You ought, therefore, to consider well what ambassadors you send thither, and he will take care to send others. Thinks it would be well to procure a delay by some means, as the diet is summoned for the first week in Lent. (4.) As to the procuration of the Emperor, he talked with us at great length, showing how it was necessary above all things to bring the Pope to our devotion, otherwise his Holiness might reveal everything to the Emperor. But if this point be gained, it will be necessary to consider the state of the common affairs:—if in war, or despair of peace, matters should be pressed with all vigor; but if peace be concluded, his Holiness should still be got to resent the great injury done to him and the Church. | |
| (5.) Wolsey is much pleased with the article of the Waywode's letters, perceiving thereby that Ferdinand has no intention of remaining at rest, and he is of opinion that we should either come to peace or to war. In any case the Waywode should not forbear his enterprise, but should be encouraged as far as it may honorably be done, both by the Pope and by the confederates, for all means must be used to check the tyranny of the Emperor and his brother. | |
| (6.) At last, for a bonne bouche, we reported to him the news brought by Castillon of the forces under Lautrec, and of the money sent by Francis for his enterprise; with which he was marvellously gratified, and hopes, notwithstanding the expectation of peace, that the Emperor's army in Italy will be routed; and he hopes you will make all possible solicitation to the Pope, and, if he be too cool, to the College of Cardinals, that he may enter again into the league without any dissimulation. Wolsey is writing to Gregory Casale a letter which the English ambassador will show to Francis. Yesterday, when Du Bellay was with him again, he repeated to him all that he had said on the above matters, and begged him to write them to Francis. Have not omitted a single day to urge him for a despatch. He has arranged with the King that your installation at Windsor shall take place eight days hence. | |
| Fr., pp. 8, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 20 Jan. 152 .." | |
| 20 Jan. MS. 5,499, f. 155. Bibl. Nat. |
145. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| The prothonotary Gambara arrived here lately. He has spoken two or three times to Madame, and will go shortly to England. Knows that Du Bellay will see him and converse with him. Judging from his language here, he will ask the King to assist in obtaining the restitution of Ravenna [and Cervia] to the Pope by the Venetians. Du Bellay must dexterously persuade the King and Wolsey to answer to him that they would wish the Pope not to press the Venetians for this restitution at present, but to dissemble with them for a time, as he cannot fail to recover them hereafter; and in like manner to temporise with the duke of Ferrara touching the treaty lately made with him, not showing that he finds it bad and unreasonable, as things will redress themselves by and by. But you must note well how these suggestions are received, for Francis desires above all things that the King and Wolsey should find them agreeable, and if it appear otherwise, you are to notify it. Lautrec is continually advancing. St. Germain-en-Laye, 20 Jan. | |
| Begs him to introduce the above suggestions to the King and Wolsey as quietly as possible, that they may not be displeased. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 6 Feb. MS. 5,499, p. 50. Bibl. Nat. |
146. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Will not repeat the conversations reported in the King's letters, as Gambara is to leave three days hence. He will return to the Pope without having done much, but will henceforth be in great esteem with his Holiness, who appreciates his services highly. Since he was delivered the Pope has given him 10,000 livres of rent, and promises to do more for him still; so it will be well you should give him a good reception in passing. He maintains that if you proceed roundly with his master, determined to share his future, whatever it may be, he will join you fearlessly; otherwise not. Thinks one of the points he would insist on would be the restitution of Reggio and Modena by the duke of Ferrara, after which he is content to temporize. On this subject we entered into conversation, though he apparently did not care to have it taken up, and he proposed to give the duke of Ferrara Ravenna in compensation. You must not, however, appear to have heard anything of this from me. He also says he has communicated to Madame the true intention of the Pope on this subject, and had obtained from her in return her own opinion and that of Francis. Thinks, if this be so, it is strange that he never heard of it. Makes some observations concerning Florence and Venice, founded on Wolsey's conversations. Heard some time ago from a groom whom his brother had presented to the Pope, that the Imperialists wished to have made it a principal article in the compact that the Pope should not consent to let the king of England leave his wife, or give the Legate a commission to try the case; but this the Pope refused. States the case of the king of England. Has heard within the last three days that Dr. Kenit (Knight), returning from the Pope, is at Calais, waiting for a wind. Thinks Dr. Stephen will shortly go and take his place. Hears by a ship come from Spain that English merchants are ordered to withdraw their merchandise. | |
| It is said that Ferdinand has gained some victory over the Waiwode. | |
| Fr., pp. 8, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 9 Fevrier." | |
| 6 Feb. MS. 5,499, p. 46. Bibl. Nat. |
147. BISHOP OF BAYONNE to FRANCIS I. |
| Received on Friday his letter of the 25th ult., which he took to Wolsey, and showed him at great length; but as Gambara was waiting to pay his respects, and had a great deal to communicate to him on the same subject, he asked me to visit the King on Sunday at Greenwich, which I did. Had a long conversation with Henry, first about the ill turn done by his Almoner in Spain; at which Henry expressed his displeasure, giving him the fullest assurance that it did not come from him or Wolsey, and that if it was found that any other instructions had been sent thither than those which were seen by the Grand Master when he was here, we need have no confidence in him. He said that the Almoner had acted in ignorance, and that he was a very good man, but of little experience, who had a great horror of the words "intimation of war;" but if the case were found to be as stated, he should be severely punished. I said such explanations were quite unnecessary for you, and that he need not fear you had any suspicion of his good faith, which was quite apparent in his letters, wherein the blame was laid upon the said Almoner. Moreover, that by the copy of the letter which you have sent back from Spain, you had, like a prince, reproved the said Almoner to your ambassadors, as if he had been your own servant, knowing that the union between you and Henry was such that each of you had power over the servants of the other. Moreover, that Henry had himself been the chief instigator of Francis to bring things rapidly to an issue. | |
| Requested the King, however, to send a new declaration of his will to the Almoner, that he might no longer mistake it. Thereupon the King told him that Gambara had made to him new overtures of peace, which did not seem to him unreasonable, if Francis would approve them, as in fact he had already done, by the communication which Gambara had made to him. They are to the effect that the Emperor has intimated to the Pope his desire to come to peace; but he wished his honor preserved if England and France endeavored to lay him under constraint, and that if the Pope would interpose his authority as a neutral and common father, he would undoubtedly come to reason. Henry, therefore, thought it would be well that Gambara should go on behalf of the Pope, accompanied by two persons sent by Henry and Francis, to petition the Emperor to that effect. | |
| He asked my opinion of this. I said it would not be easy to give one impromptu on a matter of so much importance; nevertheless, I could not but have suspicion of the Emperor and of his Council, and thought this overture tended greatly to defer and dissimulate; that I wondered you had approved of it, considering the delay that it involved in sending to the Pope, and obtaining an answer from the Emperor. This would consume three months, which is the best part of the year for making preparations, especially in providing lanceknights and other soldiers from a distance. It would secure the Emperor's Low Countries from invasion, which are of more importance than anything he could lose in Italy, as Henry and Wolsey had always represented. The King answered that the delay could not be so great, that two months would be sufficient, and that it would be far better for you to wait for certain peace in two months than to enter suddenly on an uncertain war. And as I reminded him that the answer from Spain, which he had heretofore assured himself would arrive at Christmas, had not yet come, he replied that delay was occasioned by the deliverance of the Pope, for which the Emperor was waiting, and perhaps by your illness, of which his ambassador certainly informed him, but that now all delays will be avoided. | |
| Made no remark on this change in the King's tone; except "que si à ceste heure l'Empereur l'avait trouvé ou s'accrocher pour retardement de la finale responce, il avait encores, et son conseil aussi, l'entendement assis au lieu mesmes qu'il a eu cy devant, et que Dieu ne les a point desgarnis de cautelles pour trouver en ce faict declaration, comme il a faict aux autres." This, however, I delivered merely as my own opinion, as the King had invited me to express it freely, and begged him to think well of this matter, as one in whom Francis had the greatest confidence. | |
| Thinks, perhaps, Gambara had something to do with this. Although he found Henry was pretty well fixed in his opinion beforehand, did not omit to discuss the matter amicably with him as far as he could, but Henry assured him the enterprise would have a very good effect, and that he had means of knowing what the Emperor's real purpose was. | |
| I said, if he had good assurance he was right in acting upon it, but I had little doubt that you would have some regret hereafter, if you had to thank any one but him for the liberation of your children. To this he replied, with many cordial expressions, that even if the Pope did interfere in the matter, all the world would know that it was but a color, and that the real authors of the universal peace were Francis and himself. He also said that the Pope offered, in case the Emperor refused this overture, to proceed to an interdict, and take part with us against him. I doubted whether this was to be expected of his timidity, but he said he was sure of the Pope, if you and he would take him wholly under your protection. He asked if my powers were sufficient to conclude in this matter, and he would get it passed by means of the powers which Gambara held. I said my powers and will were simply to obey him by your command in everything, and I thought this point of great utility, provided the Venetians, Florentines, and Ferrara did not withdraw. He said they were ready to submit their claims to you two, for so their ambassadors had told him and Wolsey. Has endeavored to draw more information out of Gambara. Thinks he can see that this assurance of peace on the Emperor's part proceeds from the chancellor of Spain, on whom the Pope greatly relies, and to whom he owes his deliverance. | |
| On Monday morning visited Gambara, who conversed with him much to the same effect as the King had done, promising to show him the charge he had from the Pope. He also said he had explained things fully to Madame, from whom he wished soon to have an answer, and that the Pope was content to dissimulate the affairs of Ferrara and Florence, provided the two Kings would promise to get justice done to him by the duke of Ferrara after they had settled their own business; but that as to Ravenna and [Cervia] he intended above everything to have restitution, and that if he could not have the entire friendship of Francis he would be constrained to do the best he could for himself. Went after dinner to Wolsey, whose conversation was to the same effect as that of the others. He told me he was busy about the despatch which Gambara should take with him in three or four days. He then enlarged upon the Almoner's fault, saying frequently that unless he could show a good excuse for it, his life would answer for it. He had given the same assurance to De Brosse before his departure; but as to the contribution of which we had spoken twice before De Brosse left, he said that as soon as he saw that he could do it he would use means to bring it about, for Henry was by no means satisfied with the delay made by Lautrec, who might have done things of great importance, and thereby encouraged "the said King his good brother" to come to the contribution. He said Lautrec must make up for lost time. I answered what I could; among other things, that it was not certain Lautrec had lost time, having recovered so many countries and towns, increased the number of the allies, diminished the forces of the enemy, and further brought them to reason, and delivered the Pope; that the difficulties of the commissariat should be considered, and the loss of men which takes place in such long marches, especially when towns were sacked. To this Wolsey only answered that he begged you firmly to believe that he would never fail you, but it would require time to consider about the ways and means for this contribution. Asked Wolsey what he had determined about these last letters you wrote me for urging the English ambassadors to avoid further delay. He said he had been ready to do so when Gambara arrived; in consequence of whose propositions he intends, if you think right, that the Pope should send a man express to the Emperor, and, if he do not immediately accept the peace, proceed to such censures in Spain, Italy, and Hungary that he will not know where to turn. He thinks Henry and Francis should send a man likewise, but will consult with Gambara. Thinks Gambara will not agree with it, for he said it was not the Pope's intention, unless you wished it. Understands from Gambara that the Pope's envoy shall remain, that he may thereby revoke the present ambassador, who has done you so many ill turns, and who has even preached that the money demanded by the Emperor by ...and the state of St. James ought to be given him, and that such was the Pope's intention. | |
| Is asked by Wolsey to mention that the King has the greatest possible desire to see Bude (Budæus), your master of requests, for a few days, and have a literary conversation with him, from the great esteem he has for him. Promised to write, and said he was sure that none of Francis' servants, great or little, would object to obey him, but he must not be surprised if Bude was some time in coming, owing to his age and illness. | |
| Fr., pp. 12, from a transcript dated in the margin: Londres, 6 Février 1528. | |
| 10 Feb. MS. 5,499, p. 52. Bibl.Nat. |
148. DU BELLAY to FRANCIS I. |
| On Saturday I went to the Legate by appointment, to communicate to him your letters of the 2nd, which I had received the day before. I used all the arguments I could to induce him to consent to the contribution, telling him that it could no longer be alleged that Lautrec had done nothing. Finally, he asked me to have patience until he persuaded the King, whom he hoped to induce to contribute for a month or two, especially if news came that Lautrec had done anything of importance. It would be a good thing if Madame were to write to him about it, as well as Francis. As to the fixing of a day, of which you wish the English ambassadors to be informed, I wrote to you on the 6th of the resolution come to here. The Legate has since consented to it, in case Gambara's overture does not please you, and he will not fail to send you a despatch by Dr. Stephen. | |
| Told him that the Emperor was using his customary artifices. He said that the Emperor would allow the intimation to be made, and make some preparations for war, feeling sure that when he found the end might be dangerous peace would not be refused to him; but still you were doing well to provide in time, and Henry and himself would not fail in their duty. Asked him whether, if he believed the intimation was already made, he thought that the Pope's overture to send to the Emperor should still take effect. He said, Yes, it could do no harm, but that preparations for war should not be relaxed meanwhile. | |
| He wishes the ambassadors for Germany to wait until you send instructions, that similar instructions may be made here; but he has promised that Wallop shall send his horses over the sea to save time. I have given him your instructions of last year for the same affair, and the letters to princes; which he was very glad to see. | |
| Showed him a letter from the bailly Robert about the descent of your fleet in Sardinia, and news of the surprise of Spaniards going from Rome past Sardinia; at which he was much pleased, and which he has kept to show the King. I think he is disposed to assist us with the contribution. I think the King "est un peu froid a tuer;" for Gambara told him that nothing would so lead the Pope to do well as to see perseverance in the contribution; to which he answered that you were not poor, and had a provision of 2,000,000 cr. | |
| Gambara starts today on his return, with the persons I mentioned to you in my letters of the 6th. Wolsey wishes you to give him a similar despatch to that which he has received from here, and to despatch him as soon as possible. | |
| Complains that he has no means of meeting his expences. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 10 Fevrier." | |
| 10 (?) Feb. MS.5,499, p. 54. Bibl.Nat. |
149. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Wrote on the 6th that nothing more was possible. Was with the Legate on Saturday, and tried hard to induce him to consent to the contribution. If peace were probable, they would be glad to save the money, but if war ensued they see they would have to play for higher stakes. Advises Montmorency to write, saying that Du Bellay's letters have given him hopes. Has received his letter of the 2nd, praising him for reconciling him (Wolsey ?) to the Venetians. | |
| Gambara starts today with Dr. Stephanus (Gardiner) and Toucques (Fox). Wolsey read him a draft of their commission to the Pope, of which he gives an account. The King has not agreed to the articles about assistance, and to that "des nonobstances." As to the first, Wolsey says that the Pope's lands are too far off to make it reasonable; and as to the second, that the King has never approved of the affair of Ferrara, which is the principal point in the article. What "le chevalier Vasel" (Casale?) did, was done without commission; but, on the other hand, the [French] king has ratified what was done. You will hear more about it from Gardiner, whom Wolsey requests you to despatch immediately. | |
| Endeavored to get the Legate to fix a time for the Pope to issue these great thunders which he promises, especially as he could interpret the word "et incontinent" as he pleased, as the Almoner did. But he said the time was already sufficiently fixed, considering that we are bound to nothing until the Pope has fulfilled his promise, and that we need not regard the large promises made to his Holiness, for we are not bound to fulfil them until after peace or victory, when we could modify them as we liked, for we should have no need of him, but, on the contrary, he would have more need of us than now. | |
| Spoke of the danger we incurred of losing Ferrara and the Florentines; but he denied it, saying that the Pope only wanted the signature of the two Kings, which he would keep secret, and no one in France should know it, except the King, Madame, and you. He desired me to write about it to you, and not to the King, lest the Council might see my letters; and he does not intend the English ambassador in France to know of it. He considers it a settled point that Ravenna and "Venyse" (Cervia ?) should be restored, and has spoken to the Venetian ambassador and to his master about it. I think this will go off easily (s'en ira facilement), and hope you will not be vexed. | |
| I am sure that if you do not agree to the promises Wolsey wishes made to the Pope, he will be much displeased. You should manage so that Gambara shall tell as many people as possible that if the King does [not] grant the Pope's demands, his Holiness will go over to the Emperor; and I have advised him to use such language if you make any difficulty. If afterwards you do not wish to keep your promises, especially about the duke of Ferrara, you can allege the threats he used. | |
| Advises him also to take an authentic copy of the King's declaration in Gardiner's despatch, that he will ratify the above articles. This may hereafter be a good excuse, as at present nothing can be refused to him. Suggests the making of a secret protestation immediately. Could easily sign a declaration that Gambara has used these threats. | |
| Has today received Montmorency's letters of the 4th, and sent them to Wolsey to assure him of the King's health, of which Gardiner had heard bad news. Advises the King to show himself, if only at a window; for the opinion here, and still more in Flanders, is that there is no possibility of his recovery. Has gone about London more in a week than he usually does in two months, to show the people that he is not in mourning. | |
| Wolsey is contented that "Leschaussois navigue et le docteur Gervaise," both of whom he knows, should go to Germany. Montmorency should send a copy of their instructions as soon as possible, for Wallop will not start till then. | |
| Fr., pp. 8, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 19 (fn. 1) Fevrier." | |
| 20 Feb. R. O. |
150. WOLSEY'S JOURNEY to FRANCE. |
| Warrant to Sir Andrew Windesor, keeper of the Great Wardrobe, for the delivery of the following articles; viz., "for the use of two of our trumpets giving attendance of the most reverend father in God, our most trusty councillor, the lord Legate de latere, into the parties of France, 24 yards chamblet for two coats for them, and 4 yards black velvet to border the same two coats; and for the use of the Pope's ambassador['s] nephew, 13 yards 3½ qrs. fine black velvet of Luke for a gown for him, and 3 yards fine tylsent for a doublet for him." Windsor Castle, 20 Feb. 19 Hen. VIII. Signed at top. | |
| Feb. Ashmol. No. 1116, ff.119b–125b. |
151. THOMAS WALL, WINDSOR HERALD. (fn. 2) |
| "Instrucions geven unto T. Wall, alias Wyndesore Heralt, touching ye affayres of the Kinges highnes towardes the ladye Margaret, dowager of Savoy in Flaunders." | |
| 3 March. MS. 5,499, p. 161. Bibl.Nat. |
152. FRANCIS I. to DU BELLAY. |
| Intends to send Morette in two days, instructed about everything necessary to satisfy the King and Wolsey. Sends by this courier news from Spain and Germany to be communicated to them, and desires them to send him any further information they may have from Spain. | |
| Since "la [diete] (fn. 3) Imperiale" has been put off till after Easter, before which it is not easy to obtain a safe-conduct for the ambassadors, and it is necessary to have one from all the electoral princes, for a herald, Du Bellay must ask what the King thinks should be done, and Francis will follow his counsel "entierement sans aulcun retardement ou difficulte et de ...ou du retardement de leur voiage." | |
| Is waiting for the answer to be made to Du Bellay about the captures (fn. 4) made by the Flemings, that he may govern himself accordingly. St. Germain-en-Laye, 3 March. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 5 March. MS. 5,499, p. 128. Bibl. Nat. |
153. DU BELLAY and MORETTE to MONTMORENCY. |
| Yesterday the Imperial ambassador was with the Legate more than two hours. Afterwards the Legate sent for me, and showed me the letters which Madame Margaret had written to the Imperial ambassadors. Their substance was that the Emperor regretted that the King and Wolsey took matters in this way, and wished to give up their old friendship with him for the king of France, who was the only cause of all the evil, from his refusal to listen to reason, to surrender any towns, or withdraw his army in Italy; that there was no reason to expect he would do this afterwards, considering the experience (fn. 5) the Emperor has had of his faith. As to the proposition of the king of England to give his faith to the Emperor for Francis, it seems that he should do the opposite, viz., when Francis has surrendered the towos and withdrawn his army, Henry should promise him the delivery of his sons, in the Emperor's behalf, for which security should be given as for Tournay. This offer had been made to the French ambassadors, but they would not accept it, preferring to come to the intimation of war. | |
| Wolsey congratulated me on this, and said he saw clearly that the Emperor was much vexed, and would come to terms, which would be more honorable to the two Kings than defying him; this opportunity of peace must not be lost, as it came from the enemy; the ambassador had begged him to send a courier to the English ambassadors in Spain, or offered to go himself, to treat of this matter, and to find out what hostage and security the Emperor would give; about which he asked for my opinion. | |
| I replied that the overture was more to deceive the [Kings] than for any other purpose, showing him the danger of giving up fortified towns, and leaving ourselves at the enemy's mercy. He answered that it was not probable that the Emperor would act thus, and he was sure his heart was set upon peace; peace would have to be negotiated, and the Princes recovered just the same, after a war. None of these reasons convinced me, and I argued the point with him, begging him not to take it ill, considering the familiarity he allows me and the other servants of the King. Finally, he said he could not help taking ill my refusal to listen to reason; he was sure the King and Madame would not discuss the matter so long. I excused myself as well as I could, seeing that he was offended, and left the point in suspense for more argument would have been of no use. | |
| His resolution is, that a courier ought to be sent to the ambassadors in Spain with three or four overtures, of which the principal are,—1, that the King will surrender the towns and recall his army, while the king of England promises for the Emperor that the Princes shall be restored for the money, receiving hostages from the Emperor, and the promise of his lords and bishops; 2, that the Dauphin shall be exchanged for the money, and Madame Leonor go at the same time, while the duke of Orleans remains as a pledge for the surrender of the towns and recall of the army, for which the king of England shall give his word to the Emperor, and the king of France shall be subject to a penalty of 500,000 cr., and a declaration of war. I do not know if he means to send you word of this at his return from the King, but he would be much vexed if he knew that I had told you of it. He even forbade my speaking of it to monseigneur Balthazar. Was afraid of offending him by the discussion, but have left him very content. Our conversation lasted three hours. | |
| He sees that before these negotiations we must not omit active war, nor the success of Lautrec, "et que aussi bien on ne scaurait cependant si tost prest l'armée ailleurs." They are making great preparations here, both by sea and land, but you will have to victual their ships with wheat. | |
| I (Morette) was present at the audience of the Imperial ambassadors; for when I wished to withdraw, both the King and Wolsey desired me to stay. When they spoke of the old friendship between the Flemings and English, the King answered that if they had war now they must not blame him, but the obstinacy and ingratitude of their prince (primat), who is cause of all the evils. He spoke highly of you (Francis) and your affairs, and made me, in their sight, come into his chamber with his most familiar attendants; where he kept me for two hours talking of French matters. | |
| Wolsey is going to Hampton Court. John de Saulx will have a safe-conduct from the King, and letters from us to the captains whom he may meet at sea. The King advises that this bearer should return to Madame Margaret for instructions for De Saulx, who will wait here. Wolsey sends a letter for the bishop of Bath. I, Morette, will revisit the King in two days. London, 5 March. | |
| Fr., pp. 7, from a transcript. The former part of the letter is apparently addressed to the Grand Master, and the latter part to the King. | |
| 12 March. MS. 468, p. 58, Colbert. MS. 5,499, p. 56. Bibl.Nat. |
154. [DU BELLAY] to MONTMORENCY. |
| The coming hither of the sieur de Castillon, the present bearer, has been of great service. When the bishop of Bath comes to France you must do your best to make him good cheer, and had better send back Castillon to meet him with hackneys, for he cannot go in post. I suppose Morette cannot be far from here. It would be a great kindness to cause him to stop in my place. He seems fit for the charge. I wish you would order me to urge the descent of these 1,000 English to aid in diverting the effort Ferdinand intends to make in Italy, and that the Emperor may hear that war has commenced, and give up his vain hope that there will be no trouble from this quarter. The Spaniards and Flemings do not cease to boast that the king of England dares not make war on them. This, more than anything else, would cause the Emperor to attend to the new articles, which are to be sent to him. London, 12 March. | |
| Will send the letters after Castillon, as they are of little importance. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 17 March. R. O. |
155. MARY QUEEN OF FRANCE to WOLSEY. |
| Thanks him for his manifold kindness. Hears from her chamberlains, Sir Humphrey Banaster and Humphrey Wingfielde, that the benefice of Grafton Flyford, in the King's gift, in co. Worcester, of the yearly value of 12 marks, has been granted to her chaplain. Begs it may not be given to Mr. Belknap's chaplain, who is applying for it. Rysing, 17 March. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add.: My lord Cardinal. | |
| 19 March. Colbert MS. 468, p. 65. Bibl.Nat. |
156. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Yesterday the Lord Chamberlain came to me to speak about the corn with which the King expected to be supplied from France. He dared not start with his men until he heard that there was corn at Guisnes for them. Told him that I had written to the King and you, and that Castillon had gone in haste that there might be no delay about it; that you would send immediately to Mons. de Brienne to provide for a few days, until the King had made other provision; and I begged him to hasten his passage. He said he would be there in 14 or 15 days, but could not go earlier, as his illness had prevented his raising men until now. This delay will please the people, for meanwhile the English may have recovered their goods in Flanders. "Desja sont leurs personnes de deça." (fn. 6) And they have been magnificently feasted by Madame Margaret, and all along their journey. | |
| The Chamberlain desires provision to be made thus; viz., that leave be given to the people of Guisnes to buy corn at Boulogne, Monstreuil, and other places. In order to hasten the descent, I have written to Brienne to buy a certain quantity and have it delivered. There is not much danger in letting it come out of the kingdom, considering the season. If only Frenchmen are allowed to import it (d'en tirer), as the King and Wolsey have asked, and not English, I ask that preference may be given to me. | |
| I am hourly expecting the Legate to send to me for the despatch of the bishop of Bath. | |
| He is at Hampton Court, and on Friday the King will be at Richmond, where he will stay till Easter. He has sent a safe-conduct to Madame Margaret for the ambassadors. Wolsey has spoken to the merchants of this town (London), who came to him, so that there is no more cloth in the market. The movements which were commencing in the country have been put down, for this time; and I think good order will be taken for the future. News has come that Monsieur de Gueldres, with 1,500 men bearing the Burgundian cross, have sacked la Haye in Holland, and, after receiving 20,000 florins not to burn the town, returned. | |
| News of the 17th has come from Gerningan, that Lautrec's affairs prosper. I am expecting news from you by Morette. Concerning the prizes at sea, I have sent you word by Castillon. Advises dissimulation, considering the cries of the people. London, 19 March. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| MS. 5,499, p. 56. Bibl. Nat. |
2. Another copy. |
| Pp. 3, imperfect. | |
| 24 March. MS. 2,982, f. 14. Bibl.Nat. |
157. HENRY VIII. to MONTMORENCY. |
| In behalf of the bishop of Bath, whom he is sending to Francis. Windsor, 24 March 1527, avant Pasques. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 26 March. MS. 5,499, p. 57. Bibl. Nat. |
158. DU BELLAY and MORETTE to FRANCIS I. |
| Went on Sunday morning to the King at Richmond, where the Legate was also. | |
| Morette delivered his letters, and told them the principal points of his charge. The King and Legate received him honorably, and bade them return to London in the afternoon, and attend on the King at Hampton Court on the Monday evening. | |
| On arriving there, found Wolsey busy with the Imperial ambassador and lady Margaret's secretary. On their departure, were with him three or four hours. Explained every point of my (Morette's) charge, and gave him my instructions, which he read through, making observations about each article, and told us to wait for the resolution until the King's arrival. | |
| He told us that the secretary had been sent by lady Margaret to declare her regret that, for want of means to compose the differences between you and the Emperor, the proposed articles of peace could have no effect, and all Christendom would recommence war; and she begged Wolsey to use his influence with France and England, while she would do the like with the Emperor. He proposed a method of peace, which she thought the Emperor would accept if it were put forward by the two Kings. It was one of the methods carried by the bishop of Bath, viz. that you should surrender Genoa, Aste and Hesdin, and then the Dauphin be delivered in exchange for the money; after which you would withdraw your army, and the duke of Orleans be delivered; the king of England to be security, and receive hostages from both parties, for the performance of the conditions. Lady Margaret requests you to send her a safe-conduct for a gentleman to carry these conditions to the Emperor, with urgent reasons for adopting them for herself and his subjects in the Low Countries; which she is sure he will not refuse. She wishes also a general truce on this side the mountains for three months, and that affairs in Italy should remain in the same state as when these terms are accepted until peace is solemnly sworn. Asked the Legate to send this article to the bishop of Bath; but he said it was not necessary, as it was already in this form among the others. Lady Margaret's secretary has already returned. Wolsey requests you to send a blank safe-conduct to Cambray for the gentleman whom she intends to send to Spain, and he has promised that it shall be there in a few days. As to the abstinence of war, he desires my Lady and you to publish it. The gentleman shall consult you about publishing it on the frontiers of Spain, on his way to the Emperor. | |
| We have shown him the little profit you will derive from the truce, and the suspicion it will cause your confederates; but he repeats that he begs you to agree to it, as he is sure that it is the best course, and he has been moved to promise it on his honor; the truce is sure to lead to peace, but a general war cannot bring you much advantage. He asked us to write to you about it immediately, but we think he will be contented with a truce of two months, which would be better than three. | |
| Yesterday I, Morette, declared the whole of my charge to the King and Legate, viz. concerning the war in Flanders, the contribution, Wallop's charge, and the despatch of Gambara and the bishop of Pistoja, not omitting the prizes taken at sea, and other points. They think it advisable that the English and French forces should assemble near Therouenne at the end of June. We found the King as cold as possible about the contribution, saying that he could not do so much, now that he had to join the dance himself. I, Du Bellay, said you would think I had deceived you, as I had always had such hopes of it from him, and told you that at Morette's arrival he would come to the resolution you desired. He replied that he had given a liberal answer before the intimation, being sure that the Emperor would not make war; but finding himself mistaken, he had reckoned up his affairs, and was obliged to give a different answer. He gave us a long account of his expences, and spoke also about the victuals. He told us to advise you, at the beginning of this dance, not to incur expences that you could not support, and to consider whether you could for long keep two great armies, one in Italy and one here, seeing that you say you cannot keep one without the contribution from him; and you should therefore consider whether it would be well to make such a great effort in Flanders as is stipulated in the treaty, or diminish it so as to bear the expences in Italy with more ease. He does not say this from a wish to back out of the treaty, for the increase in Italy would be borne by him as well as you. He wishes to know your pleasure, and will be always ready to do what you think most injurious to the enemy, in attacking whom he will never desert you, and what will most conduce to the recovery of your sons, which he desires more than anything in the world; but to effect which he thinks peace the best method, as the saving of the expence of war might be counted as a gain. He requests your attention to the articles which the bishop of Bath will declare to you, and that you will allow the bishop of Pistoja to proceed, charged with good words, after the bishop of Bath has handled him a little. | |
| We urged them to be ready to march at the end of May, but in vain. Their chief reason is, that the grass is too short to cut for the horses before the middle of June, and therefore an army could not be kept in the field. Used all possible arguments at Richmond in the presence of the Legate, the Lord Chamberlain, Fitzwilliam and the lord Marquis. The King's resolution is to have everything ready by the end of June, and he assures us upon his honor that he will not fail, and hopes that you will not, either in men, victuals or "arrivages" (carriages ?), which he cannot get without you. | |
| However, they think that the present good opportunity of being sought by the enemy for peace should not be lost, and that we could not gain greater honor than to have compelled him to seek an appointment. They do not, however, intend to omit anything in the preparations for war; and the Lord Chamberlain (Sandes) is going to raise men on Thursday or Friday, so as to be ready to cross the sea at Easter. As they expect you to accept a truce he will not make war, but wait for an answer from Spain. His passage will serve as a demonstration to lady Margaret. They beg you to supply other provisions as well as corn. As they are difficult to move to war, you should be gracious, especially about provisions. | |
| Although they hoped that your charge to the prothonotary Gambara would be like theirs, still they think that the charge you have sent will be for the best, chiefly because they have found out from the bishop of Pistoja that Gambara's charge from the Pope was not as ample as he had given out. They also advise you to cause the Signory to surrender Ravenna and Cervia (fn. 7) without delay; which they cannot honorably refuse to do, nor can they fail to comply with your request. The King seemed very angry with the Signory, because their ambassador had told him that they seized it only to keep it for the Pope. | |
| He told us to write to you what he had said, and that he would not be surprised if the Pope did not take your part if you would [not] gratify him in a matter so reasonable; for he could not be expected to allow his own states to be divided, to preserve the Venetians in their possession of what was his. However, he does not think it well that the Pope, having recovered Ravenna, &c., should declare himself suddenly, without trying if the Emperor would accept the offers; for there is news from many quarters that the Emperor repents his refusal, and is willing to come to an agreement by his Holiness's intercession, whose declaration, moreover, would do you little good. | |
| Touching the prizes taken by the Spaniards at sea, they think you should not refuse the abstinence of war, and thus this article would be unnecessary. If you will not accept it, they do not object to your making vigorous war in the sea of Dole, this sea being included in the abstinence. If you do not wish to commence war, they will advise with the ambassadors from lady Margaret, who are daily expected. | |
| The King approves of the preparation of your ships in Normandy. He has already sent four great ships to sea, and four others will be ready in a few days to keep the sea; but to try to prevent Beaurain passing would be useless expence, for he could not be stopped from going round Ireland, or some other way, as Albany did lately when he passed to Scotland in spite of them. | |
| They hear that he has already started for Naples. | |
| We have spoken about the delay in despatching Wallop. I believe he has already left you to return hither. They think of sending a letter to the electors after the form of yours. | |
| During this conversation, which lasted two hours, the King used very good and honorable words, assuring us of his friendship and his intention of sharing your fortunes. At Richmond he caused Morette to be present at his levée, bidding him act as if he was with his master. He showed great pleasure at hearing of Francis' good health. | |
| Today the King returned to Richmond and left us with the Legate, who recapitulated the points that had been treated, putting us in great hopes of peace with the Emperor, and urging us to procure the despatch of the safe-conduct. In reply to all we had said to the King and himself in favor of war, he made a long protestation of the indissoluble amity his master and himself feel for the French King, but they were already at great expence; he was blamed for having deserted their old friends, against the wish of the people, to take the friendship and share the fortune of those who never had been held as friends; he spoke of the difficulty of keeping the people in subjection, and the great loss the King will sustain in taxes from the decrease of commerce; and he himself would be obliged to advance large sums of money to buy cloth to keep the Fen country from mutiny and starvation. All this was to lead up to the contribution, about which and other things he begged you to allow him to use his own means with the King, as the best means of doing for you what he desires. He used this language twice,—that there was neither man nor devil able to sever this friendship,—addressing himself particularly to me, Morette, and begging me to assure you and Madame of their friendship, on my life and honor, for which he pledged me his faith; and which I promised to do. The contribution is not hopeless, but he wants time for it. | |
| We then talked about the articles sent by the bishop of Bath. Being pressed to answer, we said that we saw little security for you in the articles about the revocation of the army, though we could not speak against them now, as he approved of them. He said he thought that the revocation of the army, on hostages and security given by the Emperor, was one of the best methods. In reply to our question what sufficient hostages the Emperor could give, he said he had discussed that point with the Imperial ambassador, putting it as far off as possible; and the ambassador had told him that he would give the son of the constable of Spain, the son of a great marquis, and the nephew of the duke of Alva, with obligations from lords and princes; Wolsey, however, had always prevented him from speaking of it. | |
| We asked him whether it would be necessary to send here if you agreed to only some of the articles sent by the bishop of Bath; but he told us the Bishop had charge to send on to Spain only those which pleased you. | |
| He also spoke again earnestly about the restitution of Ravenna and Cervia, (fn. 8) about which he said that he and the King had written to you. | |
| Morette is going back to the King tomorrow to perform the rest of his instructions. | |
| Lady Margaret's ambassadors have arrived. | |
| London, 26 March. | |
| Fr., pp. 18, from a transcript. | |
| 3 April. MS. 5,499, f. 161. Bibl. Nat. |
159. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY and MORETTE. |
| Writes in answer to their long letters, which the King has seen. His letters will fully explain his intention. The King also sends back to you with an answer the articles shown him by the bishop of Bath. He would never have consented to them, but for his affection for the King, and his wish not to put him to expence. He desires to act in accordance with Henry's advice, as you will see by what is sent you herewith to be shown to the King and Wolsey, who must be asked to keep the whole thing secret, for fear of the effect produced by the knowledge of it on the allies. When this is performed Morette must execute the charge given him at his departure, setting forth the King's diligence in providing lanceknights, having no doubt that the same has been done by the king of England, according to the treaty. Wishes him to return as soon as possible with ample instructions. | |
| Langey will give the bishop of Bayonne an answer to what he told Montmorency on the part of the Bishop. They will see by what is sent them the King's answer to the Imperial ambassador, whom he has allowed to return to his master, and has had conducted to the frontier, hoping that the French ambassadors will be similarly treated. | |
| The King is in good health and spirits. He left Madame at St. Germains yesterday, suffering from gout in her hand and knee. The King is going hence to Annet today to spend Easter. | |
| No news from Italy since the 8th of last month. Houdan, 3 April. | |
| Fr., pp. 2. from a transcript. | |
| 18 April. MS. 5,499, f.6. Bibl. Nat. |
160. FRANCIS I. and CHARLES V. |
| "Memoyres contenans certaines remonstrances et persuasions ouvertes et proposées par le roi d'Angleterre et cardinal d'York, Legat, tendans a faire condescendre le Roy très Chrestien au partis par eux mis en avant pour estre proposez à l'Empereur, et parvenir au traicté de paix d'entre luy et le dit Roy." | |
| The King and Wolsey, having considered the answer returned by Francis to the offers made by the bishop of Bath, are persuaded either that the Bishop could not have set forth to him at sufficient length the grounds on which each of these offers is made, or that the council of Francis have not had leisure to consider them, otherwise such an answer would hardly have been returned. For, first, if the difference between him and the Emperor were discussed with impartiality, every one would say that the first point to be considered was the King's captivity, and the promises he gave to the Emperor in the treaty of Madrid, for the fulfilment of which the children are now detained. It is true that by the intercession of England the rigour of that treaty has been much abated in relation to Burgundy and other matters; but it must be considered that the Emperor wishes to make his reckoning of the said diminution, so as to be able to say, when they come to terms, that Francis ought to trust him, since he had already trusted Francis, and that peace is not less necessary to Francis than to the Emperor. | |
| As to the three offers to be sent on to the Emperor, it is certain that the first will [not] be granted, seeing that it has already been refused, and the last has been refused also in these or other terms. As to the second, which is the most reasonable, viz., to place the towns of Genoa and Hesdin in the hands of Henry as a pledge for the accomplishment of the other things, the King and Wolsey will be much gratified if the Emperor would accept it, especially if they see that it is a thing that can take effect; which, however, they do not think it can, even if the Emperor should accept it, as Henry has no means of keeping Genoa, for the expence of sending men thither would be enormous, and the number required very large, and the voyage so long that they would lose half the men upon the road; and even if they all came, they would be unable to keep it, if the Emperor made an effort to retake it. Moreover, to use mercenaries would be attended with many difficulties, which are set forth. But it is not likely the Emperor will accept it, for, as Francis knows, the offer has already been made to him, before Henry had declared his strict alliance with Francis; and now he must regard England as his enemy, and may say that he might as well surrender the town to Francis as to Henry; so that to put forward such an offer would be wilfully to waste time. However, the King and Wolsey consent to put forward this offer at a venture, to see if anything can be got out of it. As to what Francis says, that by refusing this offer the Emperor would show clearly he had no confidence in Henry, that is nothing new, and nothing to the purpose, seeing that the king of England himself has declared war against him. | |
| For these reasons the King and Wolsey think that if Francis wish to show his inclination for peace and the deliverance of his children, he should make no difficulty about submitting these offers to the Emperor by degrees, as hereafter will be set forth; otherwise it will be suspected that he has some object he does not wish them to know. First, however, the King and Wolsey most earnestly protest that they have no other object in their suggestions than the peace of Christendom and the recovery of the French king's children, and urge him to consider well what suspicions they must entertain so long as they see the Princes remaining hostages in the Emperor's hands, which is the only thing that keeps up his reputation, and of the terror he may cause to everybody, in comparison with which it is little to have acquired the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, or even great part of Flanders or Spain, seeing that every one believes he will give up everything for his children, "demeurans en blancs ceulx qui trop avant se serout mis en le paternostre." But if this instrument be taken from him, it will be the first step to his thorough humiliation. In proof of his sincerity, Wolsey has entreated Du Bellay and Morette to assure Francis of his willingness to go over at Easter and take the sacrament in his presence. (fn. 9) The King and Wolsey are willing also, on the Emperor refusing the conditions under-mentioned, to give liberal aid, without the defiance, although they are only bound by treaty to do so on the Emperor refusing the conditions signed by the French king, among which is the revocation of his army; for now that France has gained a large portion of the kingdom of Naples, it could not be said that he renounced his title thereto without recalling it, as the renunciation would otherwise be mere words, which could easily be revoked. | |
| England is ready to send in the beginning of July troops into France, at least if Francis will maintain them according to the overtures, provided Francis on his part will do the like, to attack Flanders; but Francis must show clearly that he will do his part. The King and Wolsey approve of the opinion of Francis that none of the allies should be informed that he is willing to listen to new overtures, and think that no one should meddle with the matter except Wolsey and lady Margaret. | |
| The former shall send a trusty person to Francis with the offers devised by him and Henry; and he, when Francis has signified which he prefers, shall proceed by post to Spain, accompanied by a servant of lady Margaret, who shall persuade the Emperor to accept them. Wolsey shall promise the Emperor on his honor that Francis will agree to the said offers. The persons sent shall be Silvestre Davir (Darius) and John de Faulx (Saulx). | |
| If Francis prefers other offers he can add them to those sent, but he is requested to inform the bishop of Bath of them, that they may be added to the instructions of Darius. | |
| The King and Wolsey propose that the French ambassadors now leaving Spain shall remain on the frontier till they hear of the success of these negotiations. If successful, they shall return with new powers to the Emperor to confirm the peace. Francis is requested to send such powers to his ambassadors. Those for the bishop of Worcester (fn. 10) and the Almoner (fn. 11), shall be sent to the bishop of Bath to be shown to him. The bishop of Bath will send on the offers to the bishop of Worcester in cipher, that he may prepare the way. The king of England intended to recall his ambassadors in Spain with the French, and requested the Imperial ambassador to leave; but he said he had no commandment to do so, and would not leave without a command from the King not to stay in England. Wolsey thinks this a fortunate circumstance. | |
| The King has, therefore, given Wolsey power to set forth such offers as he shall think good; and Wolsey requests Francis frankly to declare his will to him by his ambassadors, but nevertheless hopes he will not take ill the said overtures, seeing that it can create no danger to him to deliver Genoa, Aste and Hesdin, upon the sureties which he will receive from the Emperor, and upon the faith of the king of England, who would secure him against treachery by the Emperor. | |
| Also, as Francis justly fears to awake the suspicions of his allies by putting any of his subjects in communication with an envoy of lady Margaret, it shall appear to be Wolsey's own act; or, if thought better, the communications shall be carried on entirely in secret. Above all, Francis is advised to consider that God has perhaps given him some advantage in his affairs that the Emperor might be more easily brought to reason, and that it would not be well to throw away the opportunity, lest on a turn of fortune the Emperor insist on other terms; that he ought now to procure the liberation of his sons at all hazards, rather than incur new losses of men and money; that he is bound by his treaties with England to be reasonable, and that he can accept the terms offered without the slightest risk. | |
| Fr., pp. 18, from a transcript dated in the margin: "18 Avril 1528." | |
| 19 April. MS. 5,499, f. 162. Bibl. Nat. |
161. MONTMORENCY to the BISHOP OF BAYONNE and MORETTE. |
| You will see by the King's letters his desire to hear what resolution has been taken by the king of England upon Morette's charge, and he is very desirous of his return. Since Morette left France, the King has been at great expence in raising lanceknights and other troops, besides the expence of Lautrec's army. | |
| As to the prizes at sea, at the request of Henry Francis has ordered his subjects to abstain from taking any, but the Flemings have been invading the coast of Picardy and Normandy. Within the last few days they have taken three or four vessels near Boulogne, a thing England would not advise Francis to submit to. | |
| If these things continue, they will provoke a severe revenge upon the first opportunity. Francis has, therefore, authorized his subjects to defend them- selves, both in Guyenne, where the Spaniards have done much damage, and on the coasts of Brittany, Normandy, and Picardy; and he has written to Mons. De Bouvry, his vice-admiral, to put to sea to revenge these outrages. Sends an article from a letter written by Du Bies on the subject. Annet, 19 April. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 28 April. MS. 5,499, f. 3. Bibl. Nat. |
162. PROPOSITIONS FOR PEACE. |
| Proposals of Wolsey for a peace between Charles V. and Francis I., conveyed to the latter by Morette, 28 April 1528. | |
| The King and Wolsey recommend,—(1) that when peace is made between the Emperor and Francis, the latter shall deliver to the Emperor the sum already agreed upon in ready money, and the sureties already offered for the remainder, in which case the king of England, having first obtained of the Emperor the indemnity of his promise, obligation and hostages sufficient, shall bind himself to Francis to restore his children, and on their being restored Francis shall recall his army; for security of which recall, and for restitution of the towns acquired in the kingdom of Naples, the king of England, having first obtained sureties of Francis, shall bind himself with him to the Emperor under a penalty of a million and a half, with this addition, that in case Francis do not presently withdraw his army and restore the said towns, England shall take part with the Emperor against him. (2) A day shall be arranged on which the towns of Genoa, Aste, and Hesdin shall be restored to the Emperor. That same day 1,200,000 cr. shall be paid by Francis, bonds being given for the surplus; and the Dauphin shall be delivered the same instant. And to remove any suspicion that the Emperor may entertain from not hearing of the delivery of the towns, Francis shall place hostages in the hands of the king of England, who shall be delivered up to the Emperor, if the towns have not been surrendered on the day fixed. Likewise the Emperor shall bind himself and deliver hostages to England, that, without waiting for news of the restitution of the towns, he will accept the 1,200,000 cr. and sureties, and deliver the Dauphin, so that if he do not fulfil his promise England may deliver his hostages to Francis. A day shall also be assigned for the recall of the army, which shall be inserted apart in the treaty of peace, and for this the duke of Orleans shall remain a hostage, as in the first and second articles delivered to the bishop of Bath; and it would be very desirable that in all the treaties where mention is made of hostages from the Emperor, the nobles of Spain should bind themselves for greater surety,—a point which should be urged as strongly as possible; but in default of it, the following alternatives are proposed. (3) That between the Emperor and Francis peace shall be arranged, and the latter, showing the first token of confidence, shall deliver the above towns and places; which done, immediately at Bayonne, or on these frontiers, he shall have ready 1,200,000 cr., and obligations for the remainder; at which time the Dauphin and the said money and obligations shall be delivered on either side, the duke of Orleans still remaining in the Emperor's hands as a hostage for the recall of the army and the restitution of the towns which shall have been acquired in the kingdom of Naples. Francis shall be bound to make this restitution immediately on the delivery of the Dauphin, and, that being done, the Emperor shall be bound to set at liberty the duke of Orleans; for security of which the obligation and oath of the Emperor will be enough, because the withdrawal of the army and the restitution of the places taken in Naples will be of more consequence to him than the retention of the duke of Orleans. Thus each party in turn will have placed some confidence in the other. | |
| Articles 4 to 9 are mere variations of the preceding alternatives. | |
| Fr., pp. 10, from a transcript. | |
| 20 May. MS. Colbert, 468, V. p. 577. |
163. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Is writing to Francis. Has considered well all that he has written. Found Wolsey on Saturday in such perplexity that he did not expect so good an issue. I think God helped me to reply to him. I would not promise always to make so good an answer. I believe he will be much vexed if they do not trust him with this amplification of articles (de user de cette ampliation d'articles), and that not accepting it, this contribution passed for this season, he will not readily take the burden again upon his shoulders. (fn. 12) I say advisedly, this burden, for assuredly it is he who bears it towards the King his master, who loves to spend money, and very few of his counsel advise him so, least of all to go to war, whatever good might come of it. Think, then, what they can do when they don't expect any advantage. To persuade them to concurrence he was obliged to suggest to them that the Emperor would not refuse the offers; and now that they see what has come of it they would cry murder on him if they dared, as he is not without fear they will. I know he takes all possible pains to vindicate the conduct of Francis. He asked me why Francis wished to send a gentleman? I said I did not know, unless it was to explain to him why he had not accepted all his articles. He shook his head slightly, and said they did not need to use so much respect towards him, and that I could explain to him more in an hour than a gentleman could in a day, especially as they do not understand him except through an interpreter. I have often told you they take pleasure, in my opinion in having gentlemen here frequently; there are so many presents given. I should be very sorry you thought they annoyed me. Nothing could be more agreeable to me, for several reasons. I am more troubled with this Chancellor than with the affairs of Francis; but, in truth, I care little about him and his great horses (swaggering), for he cannot do more harm than he has done to me and my brother. I think, in speaking to the bishop of Bath, he means to make open war on the Legate. If so, he will make a wound that all Auvergne and all the herbs of Limaigue will not heal; for you know whether Wolsey is a man to wear his heart upon his sleeve. "J'entendz bien que par ce chemin me feray tout d'or si n'y a-t-il remede." Writes about it to the queen of Navarre, and hopes she will take the matter up. You know what cause I have had to complain of him, but the consequences must be left to God. Would rather be thought unwise now than be charged with remissness hereafter. | |
| You may be sure the matter of the contribution would have gone on much better if I had been informed that Francis had approved of the truce, and how affairs stood in Italy, &c. I am at a great disadvantage when they know everything and I nothing. I have already asked Morette and Castillon to urge this on you. You had better write to me that you perceive from my letters how entirely devoted Wolsey is to France. Wolsey is informed that the Pope is willing to wait still in the matter about Ravenna and Cervia. The lords have been sent into the country,—among others, Norfolk, who is at home in great danger from a catarrh. The captains who were beginning to muster are countermanded. Expects instructions about the answer of the truce. Has done what he could about Gueldres. What I have written in the end of the King's letter is not as advocate for one or other party, but merely that you may see how matters stand. "Au surplus, Monseigneur, si jusques icy avez ung peu point ceulx de deça bien de par Dieu; mais je crois que c'est assez." Nothing is more true than that Wolsey did not wish the King (Francis ?) to understand it in full, and perhaps he would not have taken it over well. You know they will hardly ever admit that they have been wrong. "Je ne dis pas que d'une touche y ait eu mal qui n'eust particularisé sur mons. le Legat, car on s'en pouvait bien passer." | |
| Has been waiting all day for the packet Wolsey asked him to prepare. London, 20 May. | |
| The Venetian ambassador was with Wolsey yesterday. He is quite in despair, but I shall take care that nothing is spoiled. | |
| Fr., pp. 6, from a transcript. | |
| .. May. MS. 5,499, p. 26. Bibl. Nat. |
164. PROPOSALS FOR PEACE. |
| "Discours des conditions et moyens de paix praticquez par mons. le Legat en Angleterre pour icelle accorder entre l'Empereur et le Roy tres Chrestien." | |
| The following opinion of the King and Legate has been debated by their Council, and put in writing to be sent to Francis by the bishop of Bayonne and Morette, in accordance with what the bishop of Bath will inform him. | |
| Wm. des Barres, lady Margaret's secretary, being in London before Easter eve, came on Monday morning with the Imperial ambassador and John de Saulx to inform the Legate that Madame, in her desire for peace, would communicate the Legate's proposals to the chief lords of the Low Countries, in order that an opinion may be sent to the Emperor which may induce him to preserve the peace of Christendom. L'escuyer _ has already been sent with letters on this subject from various lords to the Emperor and his chancellor. Madame and her Council think the Emperor will accept the offer contained in the 14th article of the obligations mentioned below. The Legate showed them reasons against the articles, and advises the delivery of Genoa, Aste and Hesdin to the king of England, or, at least, of hostages as security that when these towns are surrendered by the French king the Emperor will perform his part, and set free the Princes. He told them that there was no means of bringing the French king to any other overture, and that even now he has not consented to this, although Wolsey has urged him to do so. They assured Wolsey that, if this method does not take effect, Madame Margaret would not meddle further, being assured it would be useless, as the Emperor may be expected to be obstinate in consequence of the news of the loss received by Monseigneur de _ (fn. 13) in Naples, and the overtures of Milan, and he would not like to throw away all the expence he has incurred in military preparations. Finally, he told them how doubtful it was whether Francis would approve of these conditions, which he had taken great pains to make him do; and he gave them reasons why Madame should not object to the delivery of hostages to the king of England. | |
| Afterwards he proposed that Francis should deliver to the Emperor Aste and Hesdin, Genoa remaining until the liberation of the Dauphin, or that he should first deliver Genoa, and the other two towns remain, so that meanwhile the remainder of the conditions in the 4th chapter of the conditions specified below should be retained. | |
| To this the ambassadors replied that there was no objection to proposing the overtures about the hostages to Madame Margaret if she can be induced to propose them to the Emperor. The seigneur de Marnech shall be sent to the Emperor, going first to Paris, where the bishop of Bath shall procure him a safe-conduct. Silvester Devir (Darius ?) shall accompany him, charged with offers to be made to the Emperor. If, however, the French king does not approve of the offers advised by Henry and Wolsey, and the bishop of Bath has no hope of success, "s'en retourneront le dit De Marnech que Silvestre en arrive." | |
| Henry and Wolsey have taken much trouble in this matter, and do not think that the French king will refuse the 4th article, if modified with advantageous conditions. If the Emperor, however, entirely refuses, they advise the King to consider the matter himself, protesting that they have given him such advice as they would themselves have acted on in a similar case. Seeing that there is fear of exciting the Flemings, he has showed the French ambassadors his desire to avoid war, and he does not think that the Emperor will refuse the said 4th article, as both he and his master had told the provost of Cassel, when returning to Madame Margaret, that they were resolved to make war at the beginning of June, so that if the Imperialists wished to come to terms they must do so quickly; whereupon Madame sent back William des Barres immediately, while Marnech waited at Valenciennes so as not to lose time. Both she and her ambassadors declared that they were certain that the Emperor would not refuse Des Barres' offer, the seigneur de Montfort being with her, and knowing the Emperor's mind. Besides, the Imperial ambassador being told to leave England refused, unless the King would not suffer him to stay in his country, for he did not think peace was hopeless. | |
| The King and Wolsey therefore earnestly request Francis not to lose this opportunity of obtaining peace for Christendom and recovering his children. | |
| Wolsey also wishes to remind the King of the Emperor's demand, which he thinks Francis ought to grant, if nothing better can be obtained, that on withdrawal of the French army, and surrender of the places already mentioned, the Emperor will restore the Princes for the aforesaid sum of money. This method Wolsey thinks secure for Francis, for the hostages having left Spain, and the Emperor remaining there, he would not dare to break his word. He begs Francis to consider this well, for there will be no question of anything but the retreat of the army and surrender of the towns, as the money will not be paid until the deliverance of the Princes. | |
| The Imperial ambassadors would agree to the surrender of the towns by the French king to the king of Portugal, but not to the duke of Savoy, whose nephew the French king is, nor to a certain number of cardinals, who might wish to revenge the injuries they have suffered from the Emperor. | |
| Wolsey thinks no harm could arise from a truce for this side of the mountains during the negotiations; but if Francis thinks otherwise, he might send to the bishop of Bayonne a power to conclude it, which should not be used except by his master's special order; but if it was necessary hereafter, it would have much time for the Bishop to have it with him. | |
| Fr., pp. 12, from a transcript. | |
| 4 May. Colbert MS. 468, f. 82. Bibl. Nat. |
165. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Has communicated the letters of Francis to Wolsey. Could not make out, even by his countenance, that he was well satisfied with the overtures for peace. | |
| He began again about these, reasons, but I cut him short, having done what I could for his satisfaction, and told him that Francis was quite determined; on which he expressed himself in their favor, and said Francis could not have done better. He is waiting to hear from the bishop of Bath. I will not fail to follow the way marked out by the King's letters. Wolsey says that the English will be ready to descend in Flanders by the middle of June. | |
| Excuses himself for having spoken about his long stay here. | |
| I had great difficulty in persuading the Legate that matters had been well looked to, because I showed no attestation from you; for he trusts in your management of affairs that touch his master, and hears on all sides that you favor his affairs. He is satisfied with the power, but has not used it in speaking of the truce, but only in general. He has not yet decided about the restitution of what is now held in the kingdom of Naples, which has always been your terms. London, 4 May. | |
| Sends him a "rhetorique nouvelle" from Flanders. Mons. le Bailly has told me of the defeat of the Marquis; at which Wolsey is much pleased. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 13 May. Colbert MS. 468, p. 85. Bibl. Nat. |
166. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| This morning Wolsey sent for me to tell me of his discussion yesterday with the Imperial ambassador and lady Margaret's secretaries, and of the manner in which he had urged the King to come to the truce, and also to consult, in the presence of the bishop of London, Fitzwilliam, More, and Brian Tuke, of the matter contained in Francis' letter of the 21st. Has been occupied with the subject all day, and has done his best to preserve the interests of Francis. They wished me to accept as an improvement the change from an armed force to a contribution, but I considered it the contrary. I have been much urged to agree to this contribution at the term of four months. Will not state the reasons he gave in opposition. Compelled them to go back to the terms in his letter, that they should make a corresponding contribution, equivalent to what they would have spent in a war. This they estimated at 32,000 cr. If he can get no more, thinks he will no do ill if he secure 40,000 cr. without term prefixed. | |
| They insisted for a long time that they could not make war by sea against Spain, but he gained his point with some difficulty. As to the form of the truce, yesterday the Spaniard spoke in a boasting manner, and has been very urgent to wait until June (fit fort le brave, et a fait grande instance d'attendre le mois de Juin). Hears from Du Biez that Fiennes is making large musters. Does not know if the English wished to delay on this account, and as an excuse for not sending the men of the Lord Chamberlain, who will, without doubt, leave tomorrow. | |
| Has engaged to get the truce published as soon as it is passed and sworn. Is to confer about it with the English and Imperial ambassadors tomorrow. | |
| They wish somewhat to modify his memorandum, and also the power and the articles, for which he will have to stay up all night. Hopes nothing important will be altered, except changing the 800,000 cr. for the Dauphin to 1,200,000; but they decline to come to a conclusion till they hear from the bishop of Bath. They have been rather unmanageable about the proposals of Francis. Is certain they would like to publish the truce in four days, and have it published in Flanders at the same time, or at the latest in eight days. Thinks the sooner the better. | |
| Desires that orders be given in Picardy accordingly. London, 13 May. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 14 May. MS. 5,499, f. 13. Bibl. Nat. |
167. THE TRUCE. |
| Truce for eight months, concluded between the ambassadors of the Emperor, Francis I., and Henry VIII., subject to the consent of their princes, to be signified to Wolsey in 12 days. London, 14 May 1528. | |
| Fr., pp. 6, from a transcript. | |
| 15 May. Colbert MS. 468, f. 90. Bibl. Nat. |
168. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Asks for an answer to his letter to the King. Had never so much trouble in preventing himself from letting things slip (de passer les choses) as yesterday. You will see what the Legate refuses to grant. Dom Diego (Inigo) de Mandosse extolled the Emperor and his deeds highly. Protested that I would not discuss the matter with him, as he knew well how the dispute between our masters stood. | |
| Wolsey told lady Margaret's secretaries that if they did not agree to the truce on my articles, the French king would withdraw in consequence of the success of Lautrec; and he bade me recount the recent news I had received. When I mentioned the disaster of the Marquis del Guasto, Mendoza became quite furious, and threatened he would have laid hands on me if we had been outside. Could not help laughing, and asked him whether it would be with his crosier or his bauble. Afterwards, when I made my protest to Wolsey, he allowed me to speak without taking it ill. I said that he had not acted honorably, and that if he did not execute his threat, I should not consider him a gentleman, but if he did, I hoped to give him a good drubbing; protesting that I spoke neither as a bishop nor as an ambassador. His chancellors replied that when he spoke of un coup, not knowing French well, he meant un coup de langue. I said that I was contented with this retractation. It would have been fine sport to have seen us fight with our crosiers and mitres. His chancellors had before asked me not to take it ill, as Spanish lords were naturally hot-blooded. The end was that he was thought an archfool. During the skirmish, Wolsey tried to pacify us, and refused me audience, but afterwards congratulated me on the way I had done my duty. Asks for a reply and instructions. London, 15 May. | |
| Lady Margaret's ambassadors are sending letters also this morning. If there had not been this difficulty, we should gain a month, or at least half, but I have not dared to exceed my orders. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 16 May. MS. 5,499, f. 24. Bibl. Nat. |
169. FRANCIS I. |
| Instructions for Morette the second time that he was sent into England. | |
| Francis I. sends Morette to complain to Henry of his unwillingness to join him in a war against the Emperor in Flanders and elsewhere. If he continue to refuse, the French people will grudge the tribute of salt promised to him. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| 16 May. MS. 5,499, f. 30. Bibl. Nat. |
170. FRANCIS I. |
| "Abrégé faict de l'esclaircissement qui se pourroit faire des articles portez par Messire Silvestre pour estre proposez à l'Empereur." | |
| Setting forth varius considerations leading to the conclusion that Francis need run no risk for the sake of peace, except Aste and Hesdin, for the revocation of the army of the Sieur de St. Paul ought not to be so considered, and the money will not be paid except upon the delivery of the children; so that if Francis will be reasonable, he should have them in his hands before Christmas, or at all events before Candlemas; and if he consents to this, he has only to send some one to Spain to join with Silvester and the other ambassadors, and with power to conclude; but if he think he has greater security by the overture of Salviati, Wolsey agrees that he should pursue it. | |
| ii. Observations by Francis I. on eight propositions submitted to him by the bishop of Bath for peace, and the deliverance of his children, showing that they are all prejudicial and hazardous to him, and making counter proposals. | |
| Fr., pp. 10, from a transcript. | |
| 23 May. MS. 5,499, f. 165. Bibl. Nat. |
171. FRANCIS I. to DU BELLAY. |
| Has received his letter describing what has been arranged, subject to the pleasure of Francis, concerning this truce, and the urgency of Wolsey that Francis should accept it. Although he has no other inducement to do so, is willing to agree to it for Wolsey's satisfaction. Commands what he has done in urging the contribution and loan (commutation) for the war in Italy. Desires him to get it continued during the term of the truce, showing the King and Wolsey that Francis is not less friendly than he was last year, and that he has now very heavy expences. | |
| The alteration the English wish to make in Du Bellay's powers is not agreeable to him. | |
| The subjoined article will show what he wishes altered. As to the amended draft of the truce, desires that the provision that each party should return to their former possessions should be expressed in general terms, and some other modifications made. | |
| Has given orders for the publication of the truce in Picardy and along the frontiers. Hopes the King and Wolsey will appreciate the motives which have induced him to alter the draft. | |
| Sends letters from Lautrec. St. Germain en Laye, 23 May. | |
| Fr., pp. 6, from a transcript. | |
| 31 May. S. B. |
172. WOLSEY'S COLLEGES. |
| Confirmation of a bull, dated Orvieto, 31 May 1528, (fn. 14) for transferring Snape, Dodenesch, Wykys, Horkesley, Typtre, and Stanesgate to Wolsey's college at Ipswich. | |
| May. MS. 5,499, p. 11. Bibl. Nat. |
173. WAR WITH CHARLES V. |
| Discourse held in May between Wolsey and the duke of Suffolk touching the war to be undertaken against the Emperor in case peace be not made between him and Francis. | |
| The King and Wolsey, having discussed with Suffolk the conduct of the said war, propose to deliver to Francis three overtures touching the form of the aid to be given him in an invasion of the Low Countries; viz., either to adhere to the treaty for offensive war, and send 10,000 English foot, or two other alternatives. | |
| Wolsey and Suffolk have discussed the matter together privately, without speaking to the King their master, or any of his councillors, but have mentioned it in confidence to the bishop of Bayonne, to inform the King his master, for whose benefit the whole enterprise is to be undertaken, that he may himself indicate by Du Bellay which of the three ways he should prefer. Objections to employing too many mercenaries, and suggestions of the danger that might arise from a large number of French and English being brought together, and quarrelling about lodgings or provisions. | |
| Fr., pp. 6, from a transcript. | |
| May. MS. 5,499, f. 37. Bibl. Nat. |
174. CHARLES V. |
| Power given to Margaret of Savoy to treat for peace with the duchess of Angoulême. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 4 June. Colbert MS. 468, p. 604. Bibl. Nat. |
175. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Has had no news from him. Morette will tell him everything. Begs Montmorency to use extreme diligence, and much thought in his answer. London, 4 June. | |
| Wolsey desires to know whether the limits of the truce at sea will be Bayonne or elsewhere, that the English merchants may be informed. Asks if he shall make any concessions beyond his instructions, in matters not prejudicial to the King's interest. | |
| Would rather be in the Indies than in his present torment. Asks if he shall follow the last minute, which ends thus: "Le tout accordé soubz le bon plaisir des princes." | |
| Does not know how to act concerning the final restrictions, which annul all that precedes. Thinks Montmorency will approve of the words of the intercourse. There is no need for suspicion that the English are acting deceitfully, though of course every one looks after his own interest. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 7 June. R. O. |
176. JOHN KNOLLES to MASTER CHAMBERLAIN. |
| Chamberlain's servant, Rob. Chambar, and Master Carro's servant, remain in Calais till the King send a discharge to the council of Calais. The poor man is distressed at not hearing from Chamberlain in answer to his letters. Understands that Mr. Ellyat has made a riot of the business beside Woodstock, when Chamberlain met him hunting, and has almost undone the poor men of Woodstock by summoning them to London at their own cost. My lord Cardinal has made him clerk of the Council. Mr. Carro is in sanctuary in his own country, merry and in good health, thank God. There is a kinsman of Chamberlain's wife in Calais, named Master Harryngton. Had liever than 20 nobles he had known it when Chamberlain was here. He has become surety for his servant, and advises Chamberlain to come to the sanctuary of Fremmyngam beside St. Thomas, 15 English miles out of Calais. He is willing to pay his costs to the extent of 40 crowns. Advises Chamberlain and Rogers to send him a letter of thanks with these words: "Cousin Harryngton, I desire you as unacquainted to help me now at my great need, and I shall deserve it to you and ever I come to my lands,"—adding that he will repay all he lays out on recovering his liberty. If Harrington send this money, Knolles will bring it himself. Desires to know where he shall find Chamberlain in Rone. | |
| Hol., pp. 2. Add.: To the ryght worshypful Master Chambarlyn or elles to Master Rojars thys be delyveryd at Roan. | |
| The second page headed: From Calles on Trynyte Sonday. | |
| 10 June. Colbert MS. 468, f. 617. Bibl. Nat. |
177. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Writes to the King and to the councillors, who are still at Paris, in answer to their letter to himself and Morette, who, they thought, was still here. Hopes for news from France on Friday or Saturday. Thinks that the cartel should be well considered. The English have suspended theirs until they see the effect of Silvester's journey. Wolsey thinks that both should be delivered at once, and that we ought to shut our eyes to everything until the Princes are recovered; after which we can do marvels. He will show the Emperor that he does not carry his heart in his sleeve, and that he has gained nothing by his insults. He is in great trouble about their matter with the Pope. The bishop of Bath wrote that he sent letters from Doctor Stephen, but they were not found in the packet, which looked as if it had been opened. He says the packet passed through the hands of Montmorency and others. Assured him that Montmorency was not to blame. If he sees that he is being used in this way, matters will go terribly ill. He told me that Gregory Casale suspected the Pope would take the other side if the lanceknights came near him. News has come from Antwerp that he and the marquis of Mantua have secretly agreed with the Emperor; but lies are frequent in that quarter. Reminds him of what Gambara said in the winter, that if Francis did not grant the request of his Holiness, especially about Ravenna and Cervia, he would rather give himself up to his greatest enemy than not find a remedy; and that the marquis of Mantua would do what the Pope told him. He has now allowed men to be levied by his relations and in his country, for the enemy. | |
| Reminds him also of the phrase in L'Alemand's letter, that great things would be seen in Italy this year. A descent of lanceknights is no such great affair. But if the Pope sees he cannot make good his pretensions to Ravenna and Cervia, Florence and Ferrara, when Francis remains master in Italy, I do not see how we ought to trust him. Cannot help thinking frequently of Gambara's words, which were "horriblement haultes." Pistoye would probably tone them down (rabaisser), who, as you know, is a good Imperialist. | |
| You must make good cheer for the bishop of Bath, who has not spoilt matters, as you think. Wolsey says that you were somewhat more offended when the articles of peace were debated than he should have expected, considering the trust he has in you. It is necessary to show these people open friendship and trust, and then you will find the Legate such as you wish. | |
| Complains of not receiving any money, and of the increase of his expences. Reminds Montmorency of his promise to recommend him if anything became vacant. London, 10 June. | |
| I have been waiting for Wolsey's letters about Silvester. Tonight he sent a man express to know what had become of Stephen's letter. I think I have removed all suspicions of you. Since this morning till now, 2 a.m., we have been disputing with lady Margaret's ambassadors at Hampton Court, and have agreed upon the form sent by Morette, with a slight exception. Wolsey has worked very hard. There is also some specification of a truce at sea, to hold good this side of Spain. Thus we can attack the Spaniards in their ports, but they cannot attack us in ours. Tomorrow morning they go to London, and return by midday to sign. 10 June. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| [—June.] MS. 5,499, f. 33. Bibl. Nat. |
178. CAPITULATION WITH THE POPE. |
| Opinion of Wolsey concerning the difficulty with the duke of Ferrara, and whether the capitulation of the Imperialists with the Pope should be divulged. | |
| Advises Francis to keep on good terms both with the Pope and the duke of Ferrara, as the friendship of the latter may be of great service in Italy, and that, if the Emperor cannot be brought to reason otherwise, the disgraceful capitulation made by him with the Pope should be published in Spain. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| 22 June. MS. 5,499, f. 68. Bibl. Nat. |
179. DU BELLAY to the CHANCELLOR, ARCHBISHOP OF BOURGES and FIRST PRESIDENT. |
| Believes they will have received full satisfaction on the points contained in their letter by the arrival of Morette with Francis. The difficulty of the English about the article of the intercourse is owing to some dispute with the Flemings; on which the writer speaks at much length. Observations on some of the other articles, and the fact of Gueldres not being comprehended. Has not mentioned hitherto his suspicion that the secretaries would break off and go away. Was not sure of it till today, when he was informed by Wolsey of an intimation he had received from a gentleman whom the King keeps secretly in the court of the lady Margaret, that she alone is for the truce, and that all the Council is opposed to it. The arrival of Du Ru and your forces in Italy, and the fact that those on this side have sent home their men, are additional encouragements to the war party. Has made representations to Wolsey about the style in which the Chancellor should be mentioned. He consents, since you attach so much importance to it. What moved him to the contrary was the great desire he and Montmorency both have that everything said in the name of the two Kings should appear to be in perfect conformity, and should seem to the world to indicate not a mere fraternity, but one spirit. Assures the Chancellor he himself has not been officious in the matter. Wolsey is much gratified with the news from Naples. London, 22 June. | |
| Fr., pp. 9, from a transcript. | |
| [—June.] MS. 5,499, f. 63. Bibl. Nat. |
180. DU BELLAY and MORETTE to FRANCIS I. |
| Was with Wolsey eight days ago at Hampton Court. Communicated to him Francis' letter of the 14th, with which he was greatly pleased, seeing the great confidence you repose in him. He gave them at one time to his secretary to take to the King, but withdrew them immediately on account of an article referring to the obligation you demanded for the contribution granted to you. | |
| I wished, however, to send him the copies of your letters to the Pope about the King's affair, and to Monseigneur Dauranches (prince of Orange) about the matter of Ravenna and Cervia, (fn. 15) which gave him very great satisfaction; but as to the bond you ask for, of which I showed him the draft, he said he could not believe such a thing was proposed with your assent, considering the great expressions of confidence you had used to the bishop of Bath, and the letters Madame had written him; and for his own part he would rather have suffered a great loss than that such a thing should have come to the knowledge of his master after all his efforts to preserve unity between you. | |
| He hoped that Francis would give his entire confidence to him, and dwelt very long upon this subject,—of which Du Bellay has already written frequently; besides that, he spoke to very much the same effect when Morette was here. In the end he said that if you insisted on so strict a bond, you could not refuse one on your side. He knows well his master will not refuse it, but wishes you to consider the consequences well beforehand, and said that if England had wished, they could have found plenty of excuses before granting the contribution. In short, that if you continued in this fashion, you would prejudice your interests with the King, your good brother, beyond recovery. Endeavored to show that Francis had no distrust of Wolsey or the King, and avoided for the time insisting on the obligation. In the middle of their conversation news came that five or six of Wolsey's household had taken the sweat, and their interview was broken off. Gave Wolsey the copy of the letters of the Emperor to the president Calvimont; which he was very glad of, hoping that if your cartel is delivered to him (Calvimont ?) he cannot take it without a special charge (sinon en autre charge), which will obviate the danger of frustrating the negotiations for peace already begun, and of which Wolsey says he has great hopes from letters received today from the bishop of Worcester, stating that the Emperor was expecting two persons from England and Flanders. Has been waiting for news from Francis to give him an opportunity of returning to Wolsey to see if he could not come back upon the subject of the obligation; not that he thinks it expedient in the interest of Francis, but in order to fulfil his commands; but not having this opportunity, has thought it unadvisable to delay this despatch. | |
| Has been protesting for six months that he lives under a burden, and has no means of getting on. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| 9 July. MS. 5,499, f. 179. Bibl. Nat. |
181. FRANCIS I. to DU BELLAY. |
| Has seen by his letters to the Grand Master what he has been able to do to set things right about the truce. As nothing more can be done, it remains to see that each party observe it strictly. Guillaume des Barres, secretary of the lady Margaret, came to him at Paris with the ratification of his mistress. Despatched him again in the company of La Chargerye (Hargerie), by whom Francis has sent his own ratification, and the release of the goods of the Emperor's subjects in France. Has also despatched one of his valets de chambre to the duke of Gueldres, whom he is resolved not to abandon. Sends a copy of an intercepted letter of the prince of Orange to show the King and Wolsey the extremity to which the Imperialists are reduced in Naples. By a letter of Lautrec of the 20th ult., wine and meat had failed them, and they were reduced to such necessity that Lautrec hoped in a few days to be able to return and chase back from Lombardy the succours which had arrived there. These latter have not done much, but have allowed St. Pôl to assemble his forces, both Swiss and lanceknights and foot of the dukedom of Milan. Has every hope of his success. The expences of Francis, however, are so great, that he wishes Henry would immediately send him the contribution of Italy as agreed to by Morette and Du Bellay; but Du Bellay must not press this in such a way as to show distrust. You will have seen what I lately wrote to the Pope with my own hand, by the copy which I sent you, and the instructions which I gave to the viscount of Turenne in going to his Holiness for the despatch of Dr. Stephen and the other ambassadors of my good brother. And although cardinal [Campeggio] has been dispatched by his Holiness to come hither, to whom Francis has commanded the seigneur de Barbezieulx, the captain general of his navy, to offer a number of galleys for his passage, yet, having seen some discussions touching this affair by intercepted letters of the envoy of the prince of Orange with the Pope, he has thought it best to send the original to be shown to Wolsey. Is anxious to be informed of the health of the King and Wolsey, and whether the sweat has abated. Fontainebleau, 9 July. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript, dated in the margin at the head: "29 Juillet." | |
| 13 July. MS. 5,499, f. 181. Bibl. Nat. |
182. FRANCIS I. to DU BELLAY. |
| Has received his letters of the 30th ult., of the difficulties which have been made about the obligation sent to him, the negotiations for the truce, the contribution of Italy, &c. And although they ought not to take suspicion now about what they did not refuse to the bishop of Tarbes, viz., about the [pay for the] first months which they agreed to at Amiens for Lautrec, nevertheless Du Bellay is to say that Francis relies so entirely upon their promise, that he requires no other obligation than what they will see reasonable; and, without pressing them too far, Du Bellay may show them the note sent herewith, showing that the sum of _ is still required after deducting what Francis ought to contribute for the term of May. Is to remind Wolsey that he had promised that Francis might always have recourse to him, and trusts that he will bring these pecuniary discussions to a happy conclusion, as the success of their common enterprises depends on it. Fontainebleau, 23 July. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| [15 July.] MS. 5,499, f. 25. Bibl. Nat. |
183. MONEY LENT TO FRANCIS I. |
| Obligation d'une contribution accordée par le roy d'Angleterre au roy tres Chrestien de 32,826 escus durant six mois pour l'entretenement de la guerre contre l'Empereur. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 18 July. R. O. |
184. [WILLIAM LORD DACRE] to HENRY VIII. |
| Received on the 9th July, by a servant of his cousin, Sir Thomas Clifford, his letter, dated at Hertford Castle, 26 June. [See No. 4419.] When the King appointed my lord of Cumberland warden of the West Marches, my Lord my father made over to him the lands in question, being but 32 acres, lovingly and kindly, with his other offices held of the King. He had the letting of them for full two years while he was officer; but since his own appointment Dacre has let them this year to tenants, who have sown them with corn, now growing. Hopes that his tenants will not be molested. There are but three meadows belonging to the demesnes of Carlisle, of which Cumberland has occupied two, and Dacre the other. Naward, 18 July. | |
| Pp. 2. Headed: Copy of the letter sent unto the King's highness. | |
| MS. 5,499, f. 28. Bibl. Nat. |
185. [DU BELLAY to _.] |
| It is more than a month since you had letters from your good brother, desiring me to urge Wolsey to find means to get the article of the truce reformed by Madame Margaret, in which mention is made of the goods of your mother. It has not been my fault that I have not obtained it sooner; but at the time a plague had suddenly broken out, called the sweat, which reduced Wolsey to such extremity that he withdrew into a corner of his great house, not knowing whither to go; and only four men in his house remained well. For a long time he remained doing nothing but what men are accustomed to do in hourly expectation of death. I sent to him more than ten times to no purpose, and when things began to look better, I fell ill myself; so that I have been obliged to wait 15 days before I could have access to him, even on the King's business. I then obtained the despatch which I send, addressed to the English ambassador for greater security. If matters are not passed as much to the advantage of your house as you would like, no one regrets it more than I. Nothing was more vigorously debated, and I could do no more. Might have succeeded better in defending myself if I had had the treaty of Madrid which I have so often asked for, but things were conducted in such a fashion that the Flemings had the better of us in the matter of Gueldres and others. I believe your brother will tell you the cause. The Flemings saw clearly that neither we nor the English could make war upon them, owing to our delays. Have done the very utmost for the King and Madame. I went even the length of protesting that I would leave without being quit of my charge; but I have not been in a position to do anything. I fear much that the best security for my congé at present lies either in the conclusion of peace, or in some dissatisfaction that I may have given. The envoy they have sent to the Emperor will have been heard on St. James's day at Valladolid. He is a good and honorable personage, and if the Emperor remain obstinate I think the English will not abandon us. I beg you not to be dissatisfied, you being in Paradise, if my news be old before reaching you. | |
| You may have information by your brother of everything. It is true that you have been at court some time, but I was only informed of it after your departure. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 28 July. MS. 5,499, f. 78. Bibl. Nat. |
186. DU BELLAY to FRANCIS I. |
| Since he wrote on the 16th went ten days ago to Wolsey to have an answer about the advance demanded by Francis for the contribution. Has waited till now, and has at last been paid a sum of 30,000 cr., which he sent over at once, as the Grand Master wished all diligence to be used. Forwards his receipt, and asks the King to send a quittance, when Wolsey will send him in return a quittance of what is due of Henry's pension and his own. | |
| The day for commencing the contribution is not yet decided. | |
| Has not yet been able to come to any agreement about the duke of Gueldres, as Wolsey says that he will send to his master to know his intention. If the matter is concluded as Francis wishes, thinks there will be some delay. Wolsey told me that the Duke had lost Vorth, and suggested that he should surrender the lands of the Bishop now in his possession, and thus enter the truce, as the feeling against him is very strong, and his enemies would spare nothing, which would cause Francis great expence, without much profit to the Duke. | |
| Wolsey is vexed that Francis has not sent the ratification and Du Bellay's power; not that he distrusts the King, but that the people here may not think that he is careless about his master's affairs. | |
| Said it was only forgetfulness,—which he took in good part; but Du Bellay wishes that they had been sent already, for carefulness in these little things will make the King think that Francis esteems his friendship. | |
| Wolsey thanks Francis for his anxiety for his and the King's health. The plague is abating. He was glad to hear the news in Francis' letters of ... and has communicated them to the King. He hopes the lanceknights will make a last effort in Lombardy, that they may not be reproached with retreating without doing anything. | |
| About one thing he complains bitterly, that when the English gentleman who was sent in May to Spain fell ill at Bourdeaux, and forwarded to Bayonne his charge for the English ambassadors in Spain, and the memoranda for Silvester's safe-conduct, there was so much delay that the English merchants have suffered great loss. He is much surprised that while they are sparing nothing to assist the French, the latter should make their expenditure of no effect; and that if by underhand means persons sent by common consent are stopped, it will be a waste of time to meddle any more. | |
| Advises Francis to let him know that it was not done with his knowledge, and that he is vexed at it. Wolsey says he has heard that the Emperor would return to Valladolid on St. James's day, which he had appointed for giving audience to Silvester; and also that he had made the lords of Spain take an oath to his son as if he meant to go to Flanders. If he does this Wolsey says that he will never go back to Spain. | |
| He was pleased that the Emperor had a daughter, as there might be means of making an alliance with France. | |
| Said this was not the first time Wolsey had made fun of him, but he would take it patiently. He was pleased with this answer. Has always used similar language to the King. London, 28 July. | |
| Fr., pp 5, from a transcript. | |
| 28 July. MS. 5,499, f. 81. Bibl. Nat. |
187. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Did not go to Wolsey so soon as he wrote that he would, but waited two days after writing a letter to Vannes, which he expected Wolsey would see and lay before the King, and thus shorten the matter of the contribution. You will see the issue. I do not send the whole sum, because I have delivered part for you, and have retained 500,000 cr. Begs that he himself be paid as promptly as possible, for his credit is exhausted. You will see there is some loss on the value of the money, the angelot being only 67 sous 6 deniers, and the crown of the sun only 40 sous 6 deniers. | |
| As to the day the contribution is to commence, Morette and I have been deceived. I thought for certain it would have been June 1st, and I knew Wolsey was persuaded of it; but since he has received answer from Francis he is fixed on having it the middle of June. Never had so much trouble to gain a point. Showed him memoranda that I had written in his presence and by his command, but he disavowed them all. I said to him with humility some bitter and piquant things that I would rather have been in [purgatory] (fn. 16) than have said by command, but as they only came of myself they could do no harm;—besides, I have always been his great favorite, and he would not let me return but with a promise to visit him shortly and hunt. Finally we came to consider that we were both very good fellows. (fn. 17) But he made me this offer, that it should be put to the honor of Morette; and if he affirmed as a gentleman that it was as I said, he would pay the remainder, not out of the King his master's money, as regards whom the matter was settled, but out of his own purse; but he was sure Morette was too honest to deny that the commencement should be on the day the treaty was concluded. | |
| You will know what this means. | |
| Returned to the charge, and had a long discussion, asking Wolsey what assurance he could give to Francis for the future, if he showed himself so unreasonable about a pitiful 16,000 cr. | |
| In the end Du Bellay was victorious, refusing to deliver a receipt for the money except in a lump. | |
| You will consider what is to be done about the commencement of the contribution. I think it will be better to give him the reins (luy en mettre la corde sur le col), and let me put everything in his discretion. Begs Montmorency to see to an abbey in Picardy given to Du Bellay by the King, which is falling under bad rule. | |
| Wolsey is vexed at the delay in sending the ratification and Du Bellay's power, also at the detention of the letters at Bayonne. Has assured him that the culprits shall be hanged, or, if gentlemen, beheaded. | |
| There is so little security in this country against robbers, that I have sent the bearer, the prothonotary De la Chappelle, with the money, who will sooner be killed than lose anything. | |
| Sent him escorted to the seaside by trusty harquebuses, and got a ship of Boulogne to convey him. | |
| Wolsey has news from Spain that Du Rieu was ready to embark, when the Imperialist ambassador here notified to him that truce was being negotiated; and as soon as it was settled, he turned to Naples. Nevertheless, his power is not great, but your navy had better be on the watch. | |
| Fr., pp. 6, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 28 Juillet." | |
| 28 July. MS. 5,499, f. 167. Bibl. Nat. |
188. LOUISA OF SAVOY to DU BELLAY. |
| She and Francis are anxious to hear of the good health of the King and Wolsey. Requests that the bearer be sent back immediately. Francis is well pleased with Du Bellay's services. St. Germain en Laye, 28 July. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 30 July. MS. 5,499, f. 166. Bibl. Nat. |
189. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Francis and Madame are very sorry to hear of the trouble the King and Wolsey are in, in consequence of this epidemic. They are anxious to hear the truth, and have sent Le Beau, the King's valet de chambre, to visit them. Refers him further to the King's letters. Has spoken to Madame about Du Bellay's expences, which will be provided for. They rejoiced much to hear that Du Bellay was out of danger. St. Germain en Laye, 30 July. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 5 Aug. Colbert MS. 468, f. 656. Bibl. Nat. |
190. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Received on Sunday his letter by La Chapelle. Sent immediately to Wolsey, who was with the King at Windsor, his packets and the news of the retreat of the lanceknights, desiring him to fix a day to bring him the ratification, and discuss other matters; which cannot be till Thursday or Friday, on his return to Hampton Court. Nevertheless, I despatched this packet that you may send me the power which I had to conclude the truce, for which I have so frequently written; for the Flemings wanted to have the power I had, and Wolsey was content to wait for that which has been so often promised. | |
| Wolsey's intention was, as I have written, that Francis should send a quittance for what he has received. You have sent me a power to give one, which comes to the same thing; but you know how particular they are here about ceremonies, and they may be a little dissatisfied. You may say you ought not to give a full quittance unless they give you one for the pensions. I have not said this, however, to Wolsey, for fear of showing distrust. | |
| Madame Margaret makes great complaint to Wolsey about Gueldres, who has refused the truce. She cannot believe that Francis will break his faith by assisting him with money. As De Vaux will have informed you, the ambassadors of Hungary have left. Rincon will tell you their success as regards ready money for the succour of the Vaiwode. The English show themselves a little cold, but intend to send thither. They intended to send a bishop; but Russell is likely to be the man, and he will be better than any other whose name is not Wallop. I think when you have heard the ambassadors, you will see that God has given you a great opportunity to humble your enemy for ever. I am sure their proposals will please you. I have suggested all the doubts I could think of, and they have completely satisfied me. If they be not ready to pass from here to Denmark in Sept. or the beginning of Oct., their passage will be dangerous, perhaps impossible. | |
| Whoever you send, Dr. Gervais will be a good second. Suggestions about giving money to the Venetians in connection with this matter. Wolsey begs that you will use diligence in the despatch of these ambassadors. The English intend that if the peace do not come before November the contribution should only be pro rata. | |
| Repeats the paragraph in his letter of 28 July about his abbey in Picardy. London, 5 Aug. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| 6 Aug. R. O. |
191. WILLIAM EURE to LORD DARCY and SIR RAUF EURE. |
| I have received a letter from your Lordship and my father, dated Temple Newsom, 2 Aug., desiring that I should abide your order in all causes depending between lord Lumley and me, forbearing all manner occasions against the said Lord. My cousin, Thos. Tempest, has been engaged in all these causes, and I cannot act without him. I beg you will write to lord Lumley to observe the same order in reference to Tempest until Mich. next. Bishop Aukland, 6 Aug. | |
| Hol., p. 1. Add.: To my lord Darcy, and to my father, Sir Rauf Eure, knight. Endd. | |
| 8 Aug. V. 5499, f. 83. B. M. |
192. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Nothing has occurred since La Chapelle's departure of which the bearer cannot sufficiently inform you, who has acquitted himself admirably of his charge. He will tell you what the King said to him, of which you may understand the substance by Castillon; but if it be what I have long surmised and have often written to you, I think it is not without reason that I shall have left him (it ?) behind (que l'auray laissé en arrière). However, it might be as well "qu'il s'en saisit quelque chose." The King has been more displeased than he has shown himself, on hearing by "Vuyenne de Casal" that Barbesieux has refused two galleys to convey Campeggio. I have contradicted it as far as I could. Wolsey has been very glad that Montfort has been well received. And he has not been illpleased with your hypocrisy, for I believe the opinion of the King's malady has kept the Emperor hitherto obstinate. | |
| La Chapelle is here. He has brought the bishop of Transylvania, a learned man, of credit with the king of Hungary. There could not be a better opportunity of giving the house of Burgundy a beating which they will feel for ever. True, it is a bad time for spending, but the occasion is great, for it is not only a question of making a king of the Romans, but of not leaving a foot of land there to these gentle rulers of the world, as you will understand when the English ambassadors are despatched in a few days. The bearer will tell you what we have done about Gueldres. | |
| It is not an easy matter to extract money, but I will do my best. London. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript headed in margin: "Londres, 8 Aout." | |
| 10 Aug. MS. 5,499, f. 169. Bibl. Nat. |
193. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Has received his letter of 30 July, showing the satisfaction expressed by Wolsey at the confidence Francis reposes in him in the matter of the contribution, wherein he trusts entirely to his word of honor, regarding him as his most trusty friend. | |
| Not only he and Madame but all their subjects are bound to him. Will not attempt to excuse himself from the suspicion Wolsey has expressed about him, but assures Du Bellay he has never said a word about Wolsey with which Wolsey has any occasion to be dissatisfied. Thinks it must have arisen from those who are illpleased at the gratitude felt towards him by Francis and Madame, on account of his good services in the interest of the two Kings; but Wolsey ought to disregard such insinuations. Has always spoken most affectionately about Wolsey to the bishop of Bath. Cannot explain about the packets of letters, of which also Wolsey complains, as he has neither seen nor heard anything of them; nor did the bishop of Bath perceive that there was anything wrong, or that any one of them had been opened. Fontainebleau, 10 Aug. 1528. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 10 Aug. MS. 5,499, f. 176. Bibl. Nat. |
194. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Francis is writing to you more fully. He is glad you have retained the 500 cr. which were appointed to be sent to you. You will learn by his letter about St. Pôl and the retreat of the succours which had come to the enemy in Lombardy. They have returned to Germany. Francis has not been in better health these 10 years. You may show my other letter, if you think fit, to Wolsey, that he may have no more groundless suspicions of me. I write to him only a little letter of credence for you, but I beg you to let me know his answer. Obtain as soon as you can the remainder of the contribution, to help to support the great expences we have had in Italy and elsewhere, especially since Wolsey was here. Sends along with the letters of the ambassadors in Switzerland and in the Ligue Grise, one which the writer received yesterday from the Greffier Bochetel, who is with St. Pôl, to show to Wolsey. You may take what is due to you from the contribution. Fontainebleau, 10 Aug. | |
| You must thank Wolsey for getting the money of this contribution sent to us. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 12 Aug. MS. 5,499, f. 171. Bibl. Nat. |
195. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Has received his letters and news by La Vau of the satisfaction of the king of England on hearing that Francis had sent him to England to visit the Legate and convey to Henry his news. You will see the answer made by Francis touching the mission of La Hargerie to madame of Savoy; also what I have written to you by the prothonotary De la Chapelle, to which I look for an answer. The King and Madame have had good news of Lautrec. They have despatched Morette with 6,000 cr. from the contribution of England. You had better keep them back in case he is sent hither again. | |
| Francis has sent some one to give Campeggio a reception now that he has arrived at Marseilles. Paris, 12 Aug. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 21 Aug. Colbert MS. 468, p. 483. Bibl. Nat. |
196. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| The King is sending Mr. Bryant to enquire how Francis I. is, and thank him for his good remembrance of him. He has also charge of two other matters, one of which was explained to me by Wolsey, and the other I have heard elsewhere. First, as to Andrea Doria, concerning whom they entertain great apprehension that God will punish you and them also, and that things will be thrown into disorder after having been brought to the point with so great expence and danger. I have defended Francis in this matter according to what you said about it to De Vaux. Wolsey says that the Pope is sending to Doria, Sanga and Gregory de Casal to satisfy his demands; and although the Pope had offered Doria two galleys, and wished Lautrec to assure him of your paying the remainder, nothing has been done; but he has made an agreement with Du Reu, ratified by the Emperor, and was to revictual Naples in 15 days, and withdraw the sea from subjection to Francis. He has already sent back the Marquis du Guast to Lombardy; of the rest Bryant will inform you, who leaves tonight. Wolsey says, if Doria cannot be brought back your enterprise will turn to nothing. Reports a conversation with Wolsey about Doria's demand of Savona. | |
| Wolsey said it would have been far better to have paid Doria well, and lost six Savonas to the Emperor, than to have lost time at such a juncture; nevertheless, Savona will be lost. | |
| This conversation took place yesterday; for, as I wrote on the 19th, I went to Wolsey with the ratification, with which he was well satisfied, awaiting only my power; for the non-arrival of which I took the blame upon myself, saying I had not explained the matter to you clearly. He forgave me, and was satisfied with you. About the quittance I will write to you, and give the Chancellor an answer, for there is no hurry about it, and the courier, who is going to Dr. Stephen, starts immediately. As to Gueldres, when Silvester's answer arrives, which is daily expected, if it be of peace, you have nothing (vous n'avez rien); if of war, you may have something (vouz en pourrez avoir). I am not without hope of the advance of the contribution. | |
| On showing Wolsey the letters which I had from Morlot, I made him note one word about the ill will of the Pope. He said there could be no doubt of it, but he must own the Pope was wronged in not having Ravenna and Cervia restored to him. I excused Francis in the matter, but I see he is not quite satisfied, and thinks the two places should be restored. | |
| You are a great favourite of Wolsey's, and he has more fear at this moment of your being dissatisfied with him than otherwise. He wished Bryant to see your letter that he might reply to you by him; in short, he regards you as a brother, and as a most trusty and diligent servant to your master. He says both you and he are angry when anything touches the honor of your masters, which makes him love you the better; and being the elder, he advises you to do as he has done with me, that is, when he has been very angry and annoyed, to make it up again as soon as possible. | |
| The other point in Bryant's charge is to go and meet Campeggio, and help him forward by the advice of the bishop of Bath. Bryant is a relation of the young lady, and one of the best loved. He takes with him _ (fn. 18) If they find Morette, they will give him battle; "mais que vous entre d'eux, ou monsieur le Cardinal pour l'amour duquel Monsieur le Legat a grand regret en Mons. de Vauldemont, et encores pour l'amour de luy mesmes pour estre si gentil prince qu'il estoit." It is too bad that no one offers to pay Scemet (?) It would be for the honor of the nation that he were paid. Has made excuses about the letters sent to Spain and detained so long. Master More is ordered to be at Cambray on the day appointed for settling the disputes about the truce. London, 21 Aug. | |
| Fr., pp. 8, from a transcript. | |
| [Aug.] Vesp. F. III. 15 b. B. M. Fiddes' Coll. 255. |
197. ANNE BOLEYN to [WOLSEY]. |
| Thanks him for the gift of "this benefice for Mr. Barlow." However, it is not Tonbridge but Sonridge (fn. 19) that she desires. The former is in her father's gift, and is not vacant. Will do all she can for those who have taken pains in the King's matter. | |
| P.S.—Begs that for her sake he will remember the parson of Honey Lane [Farman]. | |
| Hol. | |
| 3 Sept. MS. 5,499, f. 84. Bibl. Nat. |
198. DU BELLAY to FRANCIS I. |
| Was with Wolsey on Sunday, and showed him the contents of your letter of the 20th ult., along with the article about the commission I had; by which, and the copy of the treaty, it was evident that they had no grounds to take exception. Wolsey, on considering it well, took it in good part, seeing that it did not concern their affairs, although he had formerly had occasion to think otherwise; for Hargerie had agreed that a delegate should be sent from England to Cambray to settle any difficulties which might arise about the truce; and as I had already written to the Grand Master, Master More was appointed to go. | |
| Since the affair has been better understood, More has explained it to the said ambassador, and his mission is broken off. Wolsey begs you not to be offended at his having spoken rather warmly upon the subject. He strongly approves of the despatch of Morette; still he is very anxious that Andrea Doria should be brought back, if possible, as by his aid you would have infallible victory at Naples, but it will be the most serious damage to your affairs if he be an enemy. He thinks your army of Normandy a waste of money, and that it will arrive too late at Naples. I have pressed him again for the contribution. I think if the matter had been mentioned in my letters it would have been more advanced, but he has promised to communicate with the King about it. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 3 Sept." | |
| .. Sept. MS. 5499, f. 85. Bibl. Nat. |
199. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Wrote to Thade about Wolsey's intending to send More to Cambray. Has since received a despatch of the 20th ult., by which and by the information of the treaty given by La Hargerie it appears that this is unnecessary. Wolsey has informed me of the arrival of Dr. Stephen and of the coming of Campeggio. He afterwards spoke of Andrea Doria, insisting upon the absolute necessity of regaining him, as he had done before the departure of Bryant. He also spoke of the good intention of the Pope, and of the ill-usage he had received in the matter of Ravenna and Cervia. He said the Pope was very well pleased with the viscount of Thuraine. He appeared dissatisfied that so much distrust was shown of the Pope. I answered sometimes rudely that the Pope had given no reason to expect confidence in him, which he admitted, but he wished us to treat him with dexterity. He was very glad De Vaulx had gone to him. We then came upon "ce camp (coup ?) qu'apporte le hérault de l'Empereur," which he said he understood to be founded on this combat, which troubles him terribly, as it will put an end to the practices of peace. He acknowledges, however, that Francis could not have done otherwise than he has done. He wished the Pope, the King his master, the lady Margaret, and everybody would interfere. They say here signor Hercules is making some arrangement (prenne quelqu'estat) with the Florentines. Perhaps I shall get the thing deferred for fear of the suspicions it may create in the Pope. I believe you know that their ambassador who was here is going. I believe he (Wolsey ?) is trying by every means to break off this enterprise. He has learned that the Emperor did not come, as he promised, to Valladolid, and therefore does not expect an answer from Silvester so soon, since it has been necessary to go to Madrid. He wishes Madame and you would do everything to break off this combat. Suggests that the Emperor, being informed of the state of Germany, would like to come to the Low Countries, and if he assign the camp at Cambray he would get you to assure his passage by sea; but if he were to ask England also to assure his passage, Henry would refuse it, and thus the combat would be broken off. | |
| Beaurain has arrived with 2,000 Spaniards in Flanders, it is supposed to revenge on Gueldres the death of the Flemings, who have been so well beaten. Du Reu when he left Spain was not informed of the truce. He (Wolsey ?) is already anxious to know if the Hungarian ambassadors are despatched. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 3 Sept. MS. 5,499, f. 86. Bibl. Nat. |
200. DU BELLAY to DU PRAT. |
| According to your letters of the 9th ult., on the return of the prothonotary De la Chappelle I presented to Wolsey the power you sent me, which he read in my presence. He paused at the words sur innovations without saying a word. Has written more fully to the King and the Grand Master. Wolsey says we are wrong in thinking they are endeavoring by indirect means to renew the obligation of the offensive treaty; but I think if next year you would engage once more to make war in Flanders, either by virtue of the obligation or otherwise, you will not find them the most diligent in the world, for they don't mean to be at much expence. They were fully persuaded that peace would take place, and that therefore matters would never come to those terms. | |
| As to your desire to know what they intend in order that Francis may provide for it, I think it would be well to look to it early without giving the English any ground of suspicion; but if Naples be brought into subjection, and a warlike reply come from the Emperor, I think you will have good occasion to negotiate with them for a joint enterprise in the spring. Last time I was with Wolsey I could do nothing before the quittance which he is to give me for last May; for Dr. Stephen arrived, to whom he had to give audience, and although it was his intention to have an acquittance from the King, yet when I showed him what you thought desirable, and that what was sent to me was of the same substance, he pretended to be satisfied, provided everything were ratified, with all the great ceremonies which you know are used here. Please to send the pensions of himself and the King his master, and the terms of payment. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 3 Sept." | |
| 20 Sept. Faustina, C. VII. 207. B. M. |
201. VICE-PROVOST and SCHOLARS of KING'S COLLEGE (CAMBRIDGE) to HENRY VIII. |
| Have received his letters. Praise him for his defence of the Faith. If he had not written against Luther, while those whose office it was to sound the trumpet were asleep, great part of Christendom would have become Lutheran. Have elected Dr. Fox as provost, according to the King's desire. "E sodalicio tuo regio. 12 kal. Oct." | |
| Lat., pp. 2. Add. | |
| 24 Sept. Colbert MS. 468, f. 668. Bibl. Nat. |
202. DU BELLAY to DE LA POMMERAYE. |
| Neither the sea nor fresh water can make me forget my friends. When Bryant comes I will not fail to act honorably towards him. ("Je ne fauldray, venu que sera Bryant, de luy faire l'honneste homme.") He must have displeased you greatly by lying. If I make him speak the truth, the Grand Master will have as much honor for having placed me here, as Mons. Anthoine (Du Prat ?) for having placed a president at Rome, whom no one here considers a wise man. I hope to receive good cheer from the Grand Master when I return. | |
| I am going to town tomorrow, as the Legate returns thither. The gentlemen of the court opposed my staying where I was, near St. Paul's, on account of the distance, and I have removed to a good house in Austin Friars. Unless your master procures me a larger income I shall curse his garden and gallery. I have been obliged to send to cut down my woods at Bretheuil. "Your Cardinal" has been well received along the road. Most of the people here would rebel, if they dared. Tell the before-mentioned Lord (the Chancellor) that I wish he had forgotten his cross-bows, and not forgotten what La Vau had reminded him (? a refreschy) of Catillon's commission. I do not write to him, because Jacques Martin says he will not be in the court until the King's return. London, 24 Sept. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 24 Sept. MS. 5,499, f. 88. Bibl. Nat. |
203. DU BELLAY to FRANCIS I. |
| On receiving yesterday your letters of ... I went to communicate them to Wolsey, who had already heard the contents from the bishop of Bath, but, notwithstanding, kept them to show the King, who, he thought, would be much pleased. | |
| Wolsey was glad to see how the Emperor's herald had been despatched, for your honor was satisfied and the Emperor's hypocrisy manifested, and the practice for peace could not now be hindered. The bishop of Bath praised you for your conduct, and it is much approved of here. Wolsey says the unfavorable news from Naples made him ill when with the King four days ago; but as it is not your fault, but the hand of God, it must be borne patiently, and resolutely remedied, without showing the enemy that there is any discouragement felt. When I asked his advice, not only as your friend, but as one of your chief councillors, he said he had already conversed with his master about it; and if your army was routed, with the exception of what Renzo (le seigneur Cencé) may have with him and the troops in fortified places, it would be impossible to reconstruct an army, considering the distance, scarcity of provisions, and the present season; and he therefore advises you to reinforce the said fortified places, so that something may be done in the spring, and that you may thereby show the Emperor that you do not want good will, and thus bring him to reason, and may retain your allies; you should also reinforce St. Pôl in Lombardy. | |
| Wolsey thinks it is necessary to assure ourselves of the Pope, and to regain Andrea Doria, for which he proposes two alternative methods. Spoke to him of the difficulty, and asked him if he had any information of which we were ignorant. He replied that Doria ought not to refuse our offers because he had showed to Casale and others the trust he has in Wolsey, and had spoken to Dr. Stephen as if he felt regret at having abandoned you; besides, he would do more for the Pope than for any other. When I said that Doria could not abandon the Emperor so suddenly, he said a man who had committed one villany would easily commit another, and find plenty of opportunity and excuse. He would write to Casale about it, and communicate it to you by the English ambassador. As to securing the Pope, he says the only way is to get Ravenna and [Cervia] restored to him, and though you have done much towards that end, you must exert your authority still more, which the Venetians would not dare nor wish to resist, especially now that they fear the Emperor after the disasters in Naples. If they will not restore them to his Holiness they might surrender them to be held by you or the king of England. Will not mention all his reasons, as the ambassador Taylor (Laillier) will not go to sleep over it, but will show you the advantages to be derived from the above advice, as the Pope has great influence with Doria, and could also make use of an interdict or excommunication in case the Emperor refuse to accept the offer of peace, giving sureties to you for the performance of his promises, for which Wolsey is ready to give you his word. | |
| He thanks you, in his master's name and his own, for your reception of Campeggio, who is waited for anxiously here. | |
| Wolsey has ordered me to return in four or five days to settle the contribution, of which I will get as much as possible. | |
| Fr., pp. 6, from a transcript dated at the head in the margin: "Londres, 24 Sept." | |
| 1 Oct. MS. of Sir Alex. Mallet. |
204. HENRY VIII. to JAMES V. |
| Hears that he intends to invade the Marches. Complains that he is daily entering upon courses that trouble his own realm, and that he does not answer Henry's letters. Sees no good reason why he should trouble Angus, or attaint his lands and pursue his person. Thinks he must be led by evil councillors, whose only aim is to annoy the king of England. Warns him to desist from advancing towards the Borders, for if he does not Henry will be compelled to adopt precautionary measures. Hampton Court, 1 Oct. Signed. | |
| Pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 1528. | |
| 1 Oct. R. O. |
205. JAS. HEPBURNE, Clerk. |
| Letters patent granting him safe-conduct to come to and leave England for one year. Richmond, 1 Oct. 20 Hen. VIII. | |
| 6 Oct. MS. 5,499, f. 91. Bibl. Nat. |
206. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Campeggio will arrive tomorrow. The Legate will go to meet him as far as the house of the duke of Suffolk, and has intimated to me that he would like myself and the other ambassadors to be with him; which we will. I think the Emperor's ambassador will stop in the country, whither he has for some time withdrawn. They will set to work as soon as possible. | |
| Both the King and Queen are coming to Greenwich today; but I do not think Mademoiselle De Boulan will yet leave her mother in Kent. It is incredible with what satisfaction they have heard the better news sent me on the 28th ult. They also agree with the opinion of Francis as to the conduct of affairs in Naples. Wolsey is writing by the bearer, Thade, to Gregory Casale, about the negociation which he wishes resumed with Andrea Doria, saying he considers the thing by no means hopeless. Noted in Wolsey's letters which Vannes read to him, the proposition to place Savona in Doria's hands, with great authority in the city of Genoa. Spoke of the suspicions the Pope entertains about him in connection with Ravenna and Cervia. He urged that the Emperor should be summoned to accept peace, after which Wolsey promised to do everything. He also spoke of Don Hercules, who, he thought, though he has taken his departure, should by some means be prevented leaving the kingdom until it be seen how things will go, so as to have the better assurance of his father, who is not to be trusted; and he does not think it well that his father has recalled him. Explained that he was so harassed by his neighbours that he required to be on his guard; for which reason the presence of his son was necessary to him. Wolsey, however, persisted in his opinion. Thinks his wishes should be complied with. Could get nothing done about the contribution till tonight, when Wolsey begged him to have patience still for three or four days, on account of the multitude of affairs in which he is involved. In truth he has been for ten days wonderfully burdened. The King came to him from Hampton Court to Richmond every morning, and did not leave the Council till the evening. Wolsey at present cannot move day or night, what with bishops, doctors, and others. Bryan has made very good report of the treatment he has received in France. He tells me Montpezat will be here shortly. Has no time to write to Francis, as he has just heard of the bearer's departure. There is great trouble in Scotland. Angus's brother has come to the King, I know not for what. London,—Oct. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 6 Octobre 15 .." | |
| 10 Oct. R. O. |
207. [WOLSEY] to GEORGE BRAMLEY. |
| Orders him not to proceed in the matters between Sir John Savage, deceased, and his coparceners, of the one part, and Sir Piers Dutton of the other, as they are to be discussed before the Star Chamber. Durham Place, 10 Oct. [Not signed.] | |
| P. 1. Add.: To, &c., George Bramley, lieutenant justice of the county palatine of Chester. | |
| 14 Oct. R. O. |
208. CARDINAL CAMPEGGIO. |
| Warrant to Sir Andrew Windesore, master of the Great Wardrobe, to deliver for the use of the legate of Rome 12 feather beds and bolsters, 24 pairs of sheets, 12 pairs of blankets, and 12 counterpoints. Greenwich, 14 Oct. 20 Hen. VIII. Signed at top. | |
| 26 Oct. MS. 5,499, f. 174. Bibl. Nat. |
209. MONTMORENCY to the BISHOP OF BA YONNE. |
| I have shown your letter of the 16th to the King, who is pleased with your diligence in sending news. You have received the packets from Spain and Italy, addressed to the Legate and the bishop of Bath. If they send you any more coming from England, I beg you to present them, and find out what you can of the contents. There is no more news of St. Pôl, and Francis has sent to him Francisque with a promise to reinforce him to the extent of 10,000 men, for the enterprise of Milan or Genoa. He has also sent to hasten Barbezieulx, who is now at Marseilles, about to embark with his fleet for Savona ("tirant le plus droict qu'il pourra la volfe (sic) de Savonne"). Have heard of the death of the constable of Castile, which Francis regrets on account of the service he was doing to the children. There has been a great mistake in this last truce in not having comprised Gueldres. Francis is very greatly annoyed at it, on account of the relationship and old friendship between them. Nothing but the assurances given him by Wolsey that no inconvenience should arise from it, could have induced Francis to accept the truce without comprehending him; and you must represent this to Wolsey as skilfully as you can, that he may not be compelled another time to do anything so disagreeable. You are to press the contribution, considering the great expences of Francis. Francis wishes to make Henry a present of a couple of beds (litz). Desires to know what colours he bears, that they may be made the same. Montpezat has been detained for the present, as there is no occasion to send him, and he is unwell, and has gone home. Fontainebleau, 26 Oct. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 1 Nov. MS. 5,499, f. 175. Bibl. Nat. |
210. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Desires him to declare to the Legate the answer of Francis to Du Bellay's letter of the 21st. Francis is in good spirits, and will start immediately for St. Germains. Fontainebleau, 1 Nov. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 7 Nov. Pocock, II. 431. |
211. QUEEN KATHARINE. |
| Notification by John Talcarne that Queen Katharine, in propounding the brief of Pope Julius, dated 26 Dec. 1503, does not intend to admit any presumption drawn therefrom of her being carnally known by prince Arthur. Done at Bridewell in the presence of Wm. archbishop of Canterbury, Cuthbert bishop of London, John bishop of Bath and Wells, John bishop of Rochester, and Henry bishop of St. Asaph. Dated 7 Nov. 1528. | |
| Lat. | |
| 8 Nov. MS. 5,499, f. 99. Bibl. Nat. |
212. DU BELLAY to FRANCIS I. |
| On Saturday Wolsey stole a little leisure to read over word by word your letters of the 20th ult., finding in them matters of great importance, quite in agreement with what he had heard from Spain, especially as regards the universal peace and the deliverance of your children. He afterwards showed me the decipher of the reply made by the Emperor to Silvester (No. 4787) (fn. 20) touching the said peace, by which it appeared that he declined the services of England as mediator, and that there was no reliance in him, either for the obligations into which you were to enter, or for the hostages who are to be received, the King and he being at enmity. His objections to Silvester as having no commission also show his disposition. I said if the king of England, in order to make new overtures, intended still to treat with him as a friend and mediator, he would show in effect how greatly he desired the peace of Christendom, and how ready he was to stretch a point for the Emperor's sake. On this Wolsey proceeded to recount at considerable length what he thought should be done in the matter. As to the information which came to you through Salviati, he thinks universal peace so important that no good means should be refused, and agrees to the Pope being the medium, if you think it expedient, in which case England will send powers to that effect. The means proposed by the Emperor, however, ought not to be neglected, so as to leave him no excuse for enmity. | |
| He proceeded to give reasons why this should not prejudice Francis' interests. He is very glad of the article in your letters in which you promise to reprove the Venetians for their dishonest detention of Ravenna and Cervia. | |
| I must not omit to tell you the good office done by Wolsey on hearing that the general of the Cordeliers, lately made cardinal, (fn. 21) had brought from Spain the conclusion made by him between the Pope and the Emperor. He immediately despatched a courier to Sir Gregory Casale, directing him to see the Pope; and, without blaming but rather praising the agreement he had made with the Emperor, if it be such as was reported, viz., that the Pope should remain neutral, to express a hope that there was nothing in the treaty which could be to the disadvantage of England and France,—powers so closely allied, and so devoted to his Holiness; otherwise the effect would be to alienate entirely the Venetians, and leave them for ever in possession of Ravenna and Cervia, and the duke of Ferrara in that of Reggio and Modena. Gives Wolsey's arguments in favor of using the Pope as a means of peace, adding his own opinion on the subject, and reasons why Francis should make no difficulty, even about the retreat of St. Pôl, the Emperor's army in Lombardy being so weak. If St. Pôl were kept in Dauphiné, as if to guard the country until the restitution of the children, it would give great strength to the allies of France, and keep Genoa in even better surety. | |
| Fr., pp. 16, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 8 Novembre 15 .." | |
| [8 Nov., cir.] Cal. D. X. 235. B. M. |
213. [DU BELLAY] to WOLSEY. |
| * * * "Quam ... quo cum jusserat Rma D. [V.] ... dissolvendum inter cætera de q ... [mi]hi venerat, nec enim fuerat otium ... De eo vero quid sentiam paucis nunc [scribam, et quicquid] erit R. D. V. in optimam partem ut [accipiat rogabo] ... quod ut ipsi morem gerere ac etiam ... non gravabitur ipsa tempus mihi ... liceat mihi ad eam adire communica[ndum sententiam] viri quæ puto non parum ad rem pert[inere] ... qui heri vesperi ad me ex Gallia su[pervenit] ... interim Illma et Rma D. V. jam diem ... confirmarat de re nummaria se perfec[turum] ... triduo ad summam; de qua re ut ve ... incredibiliter nostri et rex ipse quid c ... tamdiu non sit perfectum nec me puto ... commentum hæc fuisse. Utinam talis pro[vincia] ... nunquam mihi daretur. Video enim esse molest[um] ... sunt quare aliter facere non possim. [R. D. V. me] humillime commendo." | |
| Hol. Add.: Ill. & R. D. meo D. card. Ebor. legato et cancellario, &c. | |
| [18 Nov.] | 214. CLEMENT VII. to WOLSEY. (fn. 22) |
| Ant. Bosius, a knight of St. John, who has returned from Portugal and Spain along with Philip Villiers Lile Adam, has reported to the Pope his conferences with the King and Wolsey. Is rejoiced at the honor they showed to him, and the liberal aid promised by the King and Wolsey to the holy expedition. Wolsey promised to get the King to write to the Emperor and the king of Portugal, on receipt of whose answer he would send one of the Order with the aid which he meant to send. Understands from Bosius that both these Princes have now sent answers, and each contributed a sum for the expedition. Urges the King and Wolsey to do the same without delay, as the danger in the East is very pressing. Commends Wolsey's conduct in restoring to the Order the property of the late prior, which had been withdrawn by certain persons. | |
| 19 Nov. Colbert MS. 468, f. 550. Bibl. Nat. |
215. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| The bearer will tell you all that is not contained in my letters of the—. Wolsey has often desired him to stay "jusques à ce qu'on eust arresté le compte;" but he has never been rewarded or treated as he ought, according to ancient custom, Wolsey having made me promise to obtain payment for him on your side. He has not made any suit for it here, for fear of hindering the King's affairs. I need say nothing, as I know your affection for him and his uncle. London, 19 Nov. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 20 Nov. Colbert MS. 468, f. 731. Bibl. Nat. |
216. DU BELLAY to DE LA ROCHEPOT. |
| Was with Wolsey on Friday last, when he set forth at length the credence contained in Rochepot's letters, and showed him his desire to do him service. Wolsey replied with an assurance of his friendship, and hoped he would inform him of anything that might occur likely to cause difficulty between the two Kings. On this arrived the merchants who are commissioned to receive the corn in France, complaining that they were hampered by a condition imposed by Francis, which was not in the treaty, viz., if there were found to be a sufficiency in France. On this subject he desired me to make remonstrances to you, saying he would rather have lost an arm than that there should be any failure in this promise. I said I did not wonder if, perhaps at the instance of Mons. de Vendôme and the other governors of the countries, some restriction had been made, owing to the scarcity which existed; but that I hoped that when you arrived at court Francis would do everything to give him satisfaction. Wolsey expressed himself pleased with this, and promised the merchants that they should send a man express to you, and that he would write to Francis and you in their favor. Thinks it of great importance that the people be not disappointed in this matter, otherwise Wolsey will be much annoyed. Reminds him of his request for a licence for 100 muids of his own, of which he will eat one part, and drink the other. It can be conveyed away all the more quietly, as his granaries are near the river. London, 20 Nov. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| 24 Nov. Colbert MS. 468 V. p. 549. Bibl. Nat. |
217. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Writes in behalf of the bearer, the ambassador at Ferrara, who is returning to his master, although he expects to be again with him upon the road. London, 24 Nov. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| [27] Nov. MS. 3,086, f. 23. Bibl. Nat. |
218. WOLSEY to MONTMORENCY. |
| In behalf of Sir Francis Bryan and Peter Vannes, whom the King is sending to Francis, and also to the Pope. Westminster, [27] Nov. 1528. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 27 Nov. Colbert MS. 468, f. 555. Bibl. Nat. |
219. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| The prothonotary De la Chapelle, with the rest of the contribution, has been delayed by the weather for eight days at Sandwich. Six or seven Flemings and Spaniards, well armed, are anchored in the offing, probably to prevent his passage. | |
| I have told Wolsey, who promised to give orders about it. I am sure the Prothonotary will run no risk. He has an answer to your letters of the 1st: in which, as well as more recently by De Vaulx's nephew, I wrote of the urgent request the Legate made to have 30,000, 25,000, 20,000, or at least 15,000 cr. provided at Rome, if this company wanted it on their arrival. He das tried to assure himself of this, under color of the expedition of his bulls. Since I wrote, and especially since Messire Lacque left, he has spoken of it to me again so urgently, that I promised Francis would do it; or at least, if he could not provide it at Rome, he would at Lucca or Florence. If the thing cannot be done otherwise, orders should be sent at least to Venice, to hand over the sum to Bryant, or some one else who shall be appointed for the purpose. Thinks De Vaulx could manage it while he is yet at Rome. You will see Bryan's despatch, about which Wolsey has conferred with me. London, 27 Nov. | |
| Fr., pp. 3, from a transcript. | |
| 29 Nov. Colbert MS. 468, f. 203. Bibl. Nat. |
220. DU BELLAY to L'ESLEU BERTHEREAU, Secretary to Montmorency. |
| Is surprised at Montmorency having held such language, for there was nothing of the kind in Du Bellay's letters; also that they have not sent him a single crown for his removal. Since the plague, it has cost him in ready money and in play, to which he is forced by these Lords, from whom he cannot get free day or night, more than 3,500 cr. It is more than two months since the Chancellor promised to give orders about it to the Grand Master, La Pommeraye is bound to Costebrault and ... London, 29 Nov. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 9 Dec. MS. 5,499, f. 119. Bibl. Nat. |
221. DU BELLAY to the ADMIRAL (BRYON). |
| Is writing to the Grand Master of certain Spanish ships taken on this coast. Can promise they shall remain a long time before being despatched, but desires advice what should be done with them. As to your charge, write and let me know what to do. | |
| I know not who is this Barre who has touched them so stiffly, but I promise you he is much praised here, and has done more honor to his nation than Messrs. les Grands have done to theirs. Thinks, if Francis be firm, the prize will remain good. Fears, if war were to recommence, the English would rather keep them as security for their fellow subjects in Spain than give them up to the French. London, 10 Oct. (sic.) | |
| Pp. 2, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 9 Decembre." | |
| 12 Dec. MS. 3,006, f. 3. Bibl. Nat. |
222. HENRY VIII. to MONTMORENCY. |
| Doubts not he has heard the charge of Sir Fras. Bryan and Peter Vannes; in accordance with which he sends Wm. Knight, LL.D., with whom he has joined Wm. Benet, LL.D., to France, and whose business he begs him to advance. London, 12 Dec. 1528. | |
| Fr., p. 1, from a transcript. | |
| 14 Dec. MS. 5,499, f. 114. Bibl. Nat. |
223. DU BELLAY to FRANCIS I. |
| Yesterday the Legate sent for me to communicate his thoughts and projects since Brian's departure, and the last news he had from Rome about the common affairs. Of all this Bryan will have informed you. Hopes Francis will come to sure and prompt conclusions. Wolsey knows you will have heard by Silvester Darius a full account of his mission, as he was charged to address himself to you. You will thus have been informed of the estimation in which the Emperor is now held, of the contempt he shows for you and your allies, and of his ingratitude to the King your brother, all owing to a little prosperity, which has occurred to him undeserved. Wolsey will not undertake to admonish you, but hopes you are fully aware of the importance of abating his pride and recovering your children, by what means soever it can be done, either by a peace, if possible, or by vigorous war; but you should not found yourself so entirely upon the one alternative as to neglect the other; and he suggests a mode in which matters may be brought to a sure and certain issue.—The remainder of the letter is to the same effect as No. 5028. | |
| Fr., pp. 16, from a transcript dated in the margin: "Londres, 14 Decembre." | |
| 20 Dec. MS. 5,499, f. 124. Bibl. Nat. |
224. DU BELLAY to MONTMORENCY. |
| Since his despatch of the 13th, has communicated to Wolsey at his request what he has set down in writing, and, wherever he could see any difficulty likely to arise, has set it forth. First, he set forth those mentioned in Montmorency's letter of the 13th, as if they had occurred to himself. Suggested, besides, that the restitution of Ravenna and Cervia, (fn. 23) and the appointment of the guard, would take a long time; and that even if the Venetians could be brought to do the one, the Emperor would have gained the greatest possible advantage in the meanwhile. This difficulty he answered by proposing that besides the commission given to Knight, one equally large should be delivered to the present bearer, addressed to the ambassadors now at Rome, to see to the affair with all possible diligence, and he entreats Francis to send a similar commission to his own ambassadors. By this means he calculates that before the middle of February the Pope will have signified the truce to all the Princes; which done and accepted, he will immediately convoke the assembly at Nice or Avignon; but if the Emperor refuse, it would be easy then to bring the Pope entirely over to the French interest, especially if Ravenna and Cervia were restored. There is little doubt, however, that the Emperor will be glad to accept the truce, seeing that he is not the assailant, but only wishes to defend himself. Suggested also a doubt whether the Pope would approve of these overtures, which Wolsey thought he certainly would, considering that he has offered to go in person to the Emperor to induce him to peace, and consequently he would be all the more ready to be a mediator, and gain the credit of having brought about a settlement. | |
| Moreover, by this means he would gain all his ends. "Et la ou l'on oublierait qu'il en feroit difficulté ou pour ne laisser rien en danger ou pour ne voulloir faire despence a ce voiage," &c. (For the remainder see No. 5053.) | |
| Fr., pp. 13, from a transcript dated in the margin at the head: "Londres, 20 Decembre 1528 (?)" | |
| 20 Dec. MS. 5,499, f. 172. Bibl. Nat. |
225. FRANCIS I. to DU BELLAY. |
| Is informed by his letters to Montmorency of the arrival and reception of Campeggio, and of the conversations Wolsey has had with Du Bellay about the recovery of Andrea Doria, and the means of securing the Pope. Is determined always to follow Wolsey's counsel, but in this matter of Doria sees very little hope. Has determined to despatch the bailly of Rouen to the Pope, in accordance with Wolsey's plan, for reasons which Du Bellay is to declare to him; viz., first, to thank him for granting a free passage through his dominion to those who have withdrawn from the army before Naples; secondly, to request him to persevere in favoring France; to remind him of what Francis has hitherto done in defence of his estates, and to assure him that he is still ready to do the like, provided the Pope will not favor the opposite party; and to inform him that he is writing to the Venetians, and has spoken to their ambassador to get them to give up Ravenna and Cervia, which he will compel them to do; and that he has sent express charge to the Florentines to give up to his Holiness his niece the little duchess (la petite duquesive) (sic). As to the overtures of cardinal Salviati and the General of the Cordeliers, lately made cardinal, as Francis wishes to do nothing without Henry, he has commissioned the bailly of Rouen to ascertain the conditions proposed. As to the war, St. Pôl's army having turned back, weakened by the capture of Pavia and the desertion of a band of Swiss, Francis has despatched 2,000 lanceknights to join him, who have already crossed the water, and has ordered him to raise 3,000 or 4,000 Italian harquebusiers, which will make 10,000 good men, besides those promised by the Venetians; by which means St. Pôl may endeavor to recover Genoa, which Francis is determined to attempt at all costs, and furnish it with men of a very different stamp from the peasants with whom Doria has hastily garrisoned it. To expedite the matter, has sent the sieur De Barbezieulx, who may set sail next week with 13 galleys and six or seven great barks, like La Grande Maistresse and La Branouse, of the late frère Be[r]nardin, and some other galleons conveying 1,500 or 2,000 men-of-war, in the hope of meeting Doria at sea. Thus Savona will be preserved in security. Says nothing in answer to the suggestions made to Du Bellay about retaining don Hercules, for he is already so far beyond the mountains that no good excuse could be found for recalling him. | |
| Is confident no fault will be made in the matter of the contribution. Fontainebleau, 20 Dec. | |
| Fr., pp. 8, from a transcript. | |
| 29 Dec. MS. 5,499, f. 175. Bibl. Nat. |
226. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Has received his letter of the 13th by the bearer. The King and Madame are very well satisfied with his report. Hopes to know his news since the despatch of the bearer by Dr. Trenit (Knight). Francis does not dislike the proposals of Wolsey, and thinks the Pope may be won over by good means. As to Ravenna and Cervia, you may be sure he will do his best. As to the coming of the bishop of Bath, you know what has been written already, and how well it will be taken here. L'Esleu Bayard has not yet returned. Although you have done all in your power to prevent the particular peace being made between the Emperor and England, before the general, it would seem by a letter of John Joachim which I send that the former is so advanced that it is likely to succeed. The King and Madame are extremely well satisfied with the "honnestes et bon propos que a tenuz monseigneur le Legat, De Briant fera grand diligence s'il est de retour devant que la confirmation en soit faicte." Sends Madame's answer to Du Bellay's long letter, that he may show it to Wolsey. A post has come from St. Pôl, telling of the death of Antony de Leva before Milan. An attempt by the prothonotary Gambara, who has charge of Piacenza, against the life of the duke of Ferrara, has been discovered. Sends news from Germany. Writes about the marriage of Du Bellay's brother. The King and Madame are in good health. St. Germain, 29 Dec. | |
| ii. Apparently a PS. to the preceding. | |
| You are to show Wolsey that it is unreasonable to impute to Francis all the faults that have been committed, and remind him plainly of those that have been made on his side. As to Ravenna and [Cervia], that is not in the power of Francis to dispose of so easily as he thinks. You are to ask what news they have from Spain by the letters of Silvester. | |
| Fr., pp. 4, from a transcript. | |
| R. O. | 227. ROGER WIGSTON to CROMWELL. |
| Begs him to move my lord's Grace in favor of the abbot of Hylton. "He amytted hym his chaplain, and put me in comfort to prefer him to the next promotion that should fall in that religion." Requests Cromwell to write a letter to the abbot of Vareall, which he may send to my Lord, and to inform his Grace of the demeanor of the abbot of Cumbermere, pointing out the danger to the monastery if a discreet head be not soon put to it. Desires credence for the bearer, Sir Roger Clerkson, priest. | |
| Hol., p. 1. Begins: "Mr. Crumwell." | |
| R. O. | 228. GEOFFREY WHARTON, Priest, to CROMWELL. |
| Begs him to write to the abbot of York, that whereas he had before sent to my lord Legate the advocation of Kyrkby Stephan, in the dioc. of Carlisle, under his convent seal, my lord's Grace now desires him to send it under the convent seal, with the date of the first advocation, or as near it as he can call to remembrance. Excuses putting him to trouble, but he shall not lose his labor. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add.: To Master Cromwell. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 229. JOHN CORCYE. |
| Petition of John Corce, merchant of Florence, concerning certain goods left with him and Bartholomew Salvyatye by Willm. Corcye, on his leaving England about a year before. Salvyatye is dead, and appointed as executors John and Wm. Corcye (fn. 24) and Guydo Portenarye. The petitioner put the goods for safe keeping in the hands of John Gerrard, merchant of Florence, but they have been attached by Petyr Frauncis de Bardis. Imperfect, a page lost. | |
| The goods are as follows:—A piece of red satin in grain, 11 threads gold, 51 braces; a piece of black velvet on velvet; red satin in grain, of 11 threads, 51 braces; black velvet on velvet "pyrlyd" with gold, 31 braces, 8 parts; black tinsel with gold threads, 59¼ braces; russet tinsel with gold threads, 40 braces; black velvet, pyrlyd with gold, 32 2/3; braces; tawny velvet pyrlyd with gold, 33½ braces. | |
| Pp. 3. In Cromwell's hand. | |
| A.D. 1529. | |
| 12 Jan. Harl. 604, f. 55. B. M. Wright's Supp. of Mon. 4. |
230. RICHARD BISHOP OF NORWICH to WOLSEY. |
| Has received Wolsey's message by his chaplain, Dr. Stewarde, to whom he has shown his full mind therein. The president and convent of Butley were on the point of proceeding to the election of a new prior, and had said their service, when they received Wolsey's letters of inhibition and sequestration. They accordingly deferred the election, but have since, before Master Stewarde and Wolsey's officers, compromitted it to Wolsey. Recommends Sir Thomas Sudborne, the cellarer, who would have been chosen unanimously per viam Spiritus Sancti. Hoxne, 12 Jan. 1528. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add. Endd. | |
| 20 Jan. MS. 5,499, f. 159. Bibl. Nat. |
231. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| La Chappelle, the bearer, will tell him Montmorency's opinion about the affair of the king of England and the Legate, and he has also a despatch for Du Bellay. Mons. de Warty is coming to England shortly. Desires him to mention sometimes to the King and Legate the great expence Francis has to bear in Italy, and his inability to endure it long without help; so that the affair may be put before them before De Warty arrives. | |
| Has never heard anything of the expence of the carriage of the money which Du Bellay sent; of which, he says, complaints have been made in France. On the contrary, great satisfaction is felt at the good order taken by the Bishop. | |
| De Warty will tell him about what Jehan Carguy has brought from England, and of his proposals. St. Germain-en-Laye, 20 Jan. | |
| La Chappelle will tell you that I asked the King for a bishopric (?) (fn. 25) for you in Languedoc, and that I have broken off your brother's intended voyage. | |
| Fr., pp. 2, from a transcript. | |
| 24 Jan. MS. 5,499, f. 160. Bibl. Nat. |
232. MONTMORENCY to DU BELLAY. |
| Has received his letter of the 12th, with one for Francis, who has read it. De Warty will be sent to England in a few days, with full instructions about the proposed attack on Spain instead of Flanders, and other matters. La Chappelle was sent to you recently, and will have given you the news, but I write to tell you what has happened since he left. Our forces in Naples have been so reinforced, although Ranze has not joined them, that they have retaken _, taken the Viceroy, and defeated a good number of Spaniards. Many important persons in the country have revolted, and taken our side against the enemy. Francis is sending the sieur Abat Vesin to reinforce the seigneur De Ranzec. News had come of the death of Andrea Doria, but it is untrue. The count de Feisque (?) and he have been at variance, but the Count is still outside Genoa. We have also news of the Emperor's preparations to go into Italy. Genoese bankers had begun to deliver money for the Emperor, but Francis had caused them to be arrested. | |
| Viscount Thuraine has come from St. Pôl at Alessandria. St. Pôl had wished to go himself to Francis, and explain the state of matters. You may assure the English there is nothing in the report of a servant of Ferdinand having passed through France to the Emperor. You may also say what you have heard of William des Barres. Has had letters within the last few days from Messieurs Humieres and De la Hargeri, saying that Des Barres and De Rosimbourt were to come here shortly, whether for truce or for something further. Begs for frequent letters. Francis and Madame are highly pleased with his services. They leave this on Monday for Paris, and will afterwards return hither to go to Blois in Lent. The cousin of Sir Gregory Casale has passed this way. The beds (les lutz) (fn. 26) that Francis has ordered to be made cannot be finished in time for De Warty. St. Germain-en-Laye, 24 Jan. | |
| Fr., pp. 5, from a transcript. | |
| 14 Mar. R. O. |
233. JOHN GOSTWYK to CROMWELL. |
| In behalf of his kinsman Sir John Hatley the bearer, whom my lord Cardinal had preferred to a benefice called Bernet. This benefice was subject to a yearly pension of 9l. to the master of Savoy during the life of the last incumbent; but my Lord said he should pay no pension, but only give attendance on Peter Cumptun to teach him, which he did as long as the child was in Gostwyk's custody. The master of Savoy never asked for the pension till within seven weeks, but has now first cited him to St. Alban's court, and then put the matter in the judgment of the official, who may be suspected of partiality. Wyllynton, 14 March. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add.: To my trusty and loving friend Master Crumwell, this be delivered at London. | |
| 9 April. R. O. |
234. FLORENTINUS [VOLUSENUS] to CROMWELL. |
| Thanks him for the horse, which he sold at Paris for 24 cr.; without which he would have been without money, as his journey was so expensive. "Misi ad te tuam Fanniam, solve illi fores." My master writes to you, and is desirous of your friendship. He would be much pleased with an answer from you. There is little news worth repeating. 200,000 gold pieces are being raised here. The King (Francis) is in Touraine. "Pontifex infeliciter convalescit," according to letters of 3 March from Rome. | |
| It is reported that the Turk is preparing armies to attack Italy and Hungary. An ambassador from Hungary is going to England with Captain Rincon, and will return to the Waywode. It is reported by the French that my most reverend Lord (Wolsey) will go [to Cambray], and I beg you to tell him that I am trying to procure a theological reader to his taste for the college. Paris, 9 April. Signed: "Tuus Florentinus." | |
| Hol., Lat., p. 1. Add.: Venerando Domino Thomæ Crumvello. Endd. | |
| 12 April. R. O. |
235. RANDULPH BRERETON of Chester to WILL. BRERETON. |
| Sends by Will. Wodhale, the bearer, 7l. "of your fees of the controller," due at Michaelmas. Delivered 60s. to my cousin Morgan to your use. Sends also 10l. "parcel of your office at Northwyche." Wishes to know what he does about Shotwyke Park and other farms. Hopes Master Eggerton will not obtain all his farms for his sons. Needs not warn him to be on his guard what labor Eggerton makes to the King and my lord Cardinal. The restraint at Shotwyk for hunting endures but one year. Sends also an indenture with Rob. John. Chester, Sunday after the feast of St. Michael. | |
| Hol., pp. 2. Add.: To my singular good master William Brereton, one of the grooms of the King's Privy Chamber. | |
| R. O. | 2. Receipt given by Randulph Brereton of Chester, deputy to Sir Randulph Brereton, chamberlain of Chester, for 81l. paid to the King's use by Richard Leftwiche, deputy to Will. Brereton, Esq., escheator of Cheshire, out of the rents of the lands of Laurence D ... deceased. Dated 12 April 20 Hen. VIII. |
| [28 June.] (fn. 27) R. O. |
236. THE DIVORCE. |
| An argument on the question whether the litis pendentia is sufficient to delay the process, and, in the event of its validity, suspend the jurisdiction of the legates. The writer holds the negative. | |
| Lat., pp. 3. | |
| 5 Sept. R. O. |
237. JOHN WILLIAMSON to CROMWELL. |
| Has done what he ordered, except concerning Mr. Eston and Mr. Felmingham, who are not in town. Took Mr. Paulman half of the buck Cromwell sent home after his departure; his mother made the neighbours cheer with the rest. Hears that there is a new abbot of St. Albans. My lord of London is sore hurt by Cromwell's mule as he rode from "couyrt." Sir Thos. More's barns at Chelsea are burnt, full of corn, with more of his neighbours'. Ric. Swift has Cromwell's corn in, and asks him to send half a buck to Fulton to make the neighbours cheer, for he has found them good in receiving the tithe. Cromwell's mother and household are well. London, 5 Sept. | |
| Sends a letter, and a list of those who have come to see him. | |
| Hol., p. 1. Add.: To his right worshipful master Mr. Crumwell, at Ipswich. Sealed. | |
| 26 Sept. WardourMSS. SeeHist. MSS. Com. i. 34. |
237a. WOLSEY to THOS. COLEYNS, Prior of Tywardreth. |
| Urging him to resign. More, 26 Sept. Signed. | |
| (There are a few other letters in this collection relating to the same subject; and it appears by the papers that Thos. Colyn, the prior in question, was appointed in 1506, on the resignation of Ric. Martyn.) | |
| 1 Nov. Cleop. E. IV. 178. B. M. |
238. RAFE SADLEYR to _. |
| A little before the receipt of your letter, I spoke with Mr. Gage at the court, and, as you commanded, moved him to speak to the duke of Norfolk for the burgess's room of the Parliament on your behalf, which he did. The Duke said he had spoken with the King, who was well contented that you should be a burgess, if you would follow the Duke's instructions. The Duke wishes to speak with you tomorrow, and has sent you as a token, by Mr. Gage, your ring with a turquoise, which I now send by the bearer. Will speak with Mr. Russhe tonight, and know whether you shall be burgess of Oxford, or not. If you are not elected there, I will desire Mr. Paulet to name you as burgess for one of my Lord's (Wolsey's) towns of his bishopric of Winchester. It would be well for you to speak with the duke of Norfolk as soon as possible tomorrow, to know the King's pleasure how you shall order yourself in the Parliament House. Your friends would have you to tarry with my Lord there as little as might be, for many considerations, as Mr. Gage will show you. Tomorrow night the King will be at York Place. | |
| Divers of my Lord's servants, as Mr. Alvard, Mr. Sayntclere, Mr. Forest, Humfrey Lisle, Mr. Mores, and others, are sworn the King's servants. Mr. Gifford and I came together from the court, but when we came to London he departed I know not whither. He said he had no news. London, All Saints' Day, 4 p.m. Signed. | |
| Pp. 2. | |
| [5 Nov.] (fn. 28) Add. MS. 23,108, f. 9. B. M. |
239. [JAMES V.] |
| "Credence to be shown in our name, by our cousin the duke of Albany, till our brother and confederate the most Christian king of France." | |
| 1. [James] is much pleased with the French king's writing and credence, showing his intention to preserve the ancient friendship between the kingdoms. 2. Touching the credence shown by the captain of the Roket and Albany's secretary, Girard Byon, on behalf of the French king, he may say that after alliance and marriage with the queen of Hungary was proposed, James sent Sir John Campbell, of Lund, to Flanders, to inquire of her manners and "wesy hir persoun," and to assay how the marriage might be concluded, but without any commission to conclude it, until the King had taken counsel. Cannot, therefore, send persons to treat of what is mentioned in the credence. On Campbell's return will do nothing without consulting the French king, and will send ambassadors to him with instructions. 3. Notwithstanding his tender age, by which his realm has been in great trouble, receiving little help from friends, will not be induced without great cause to do anything to disturb the amity between Scotland and France. | |
| Credence to be shown to our dearest uncle the king of England by David Wood. 1. Recommendations and inquiries after his health. 2. To complain of the "skaithis" and "attemptates" made by Scotch rebels, aided by Englishmen, especially Master Lasans, captain of Norham, and Lyell Gray, master porter of Berwick, for which no redress can be obtained. 3. The maintenance of Scotch rebels by the English causes the borderers of both realms to believe that there is no firm peace or amity between him and his uncle, but that their misdeeds are authorized by Henry as an occasion for war. Desires this to be remedied. 4. Will keep all the things sent by Magnus for conservation of the amity without any dissimulation, although he perceives by the King's letter, since Magnus's departure, that there is "stark informacioun" made to the contrary. 5. Alliance and marriage has been proposed to him by the king of France, to which he has deferred answer till he has Henry's advice. Hears also from his ambassador in Flanders that a marriage with the queen of Hungary will be proposed to him. When the ambassador returns, will send information to Henry, and ask his advice. | |
| Pp. 4. | |
| 6 Nov. Add. MS. 29,597. B. M. |
240. HENRY VIII. to SIR NICHOLAS CAREW and SAMPSON. |
| By sundry letters from them has heard of their progress to the 29th ult. Has also received their letters from Mountargis, concerning the communication they had with the brother of Sir Gregory de Cassalis, who is coming hither from the Pope, and asking whether they should go in post, seeing the brevity of time before the last day appointed for ratification of the treaty of peace lately concluded between the Emperor and the French king. Thanks them for their diligence. It is expedient that all that concerns the ratification of the treaty of Cambray should be performed in due order, and within the time limited; and if it is necessary, in order to arrive there in time, they must leave their trains and travel in post. They must say nothing about the King's great cause of matrimony, except as specified in their instructions; that is, they are not to open the matter unless the Emperor breaks or enters with them therein. Otherwise he might think they were purposely sent to entreat him, and be rendered more intractable; and other inconvenients might also arise. If they keep themselves close touching that matter, the Emperor will be more greedy to enter into communication with them, and they must give him an opportunity of doing so. If they see in him any inclination to favor the King's purpose, they must move, use, and conduce the same to the most benefit. It would be well to remind him of the sundry "gratitudes" shown to him by the King; and to say, as of themselves, that it would be unwise to oppose the King in his just causes, for it would be neither honor nor profit to him to diminish the love between him and the King. York Place, 6 Nov. Signed at the beginning. | |
| Pp. 3, mutilated. Add.: To, &c., Sir Nic. Carew, master of our horses, and Mr. Ric. Sampson, dean of our chapel, our ambassadors with the Emperor. | |
| 24 Nov. R. O. |
241. HENRY LORD SCROPE. |
| Grant by Henry lord Scrope to Thos. duke of Norfolk of the office of chief steward of his lands in Herts, Beds, Bucks, and Cambridgeshire, with 10 marks a year. Dated 24 Nov. 21 Hen. VIII. | |
| Draft, p. 1. | |
| R. O. | 242. CLERK to [WOLSEY]. |
| Wolsey has heard by the bill of complaint before the Star Chamoer, and from the Lord Chief Justice, of the bribery and extortion of Clerk's bailiff of Wellys. He should bring Clerk yearly, after deducting duties in the Exchequer and his fee, 50l. or 60l. a year; less had never been paid for 80 years. He has received the revenues for 2¾ years, but has never paid either the Exchequer dues or Clerk, and will not come to any account. However, as the King has such a mind towards him, he is worthy to be cherished, be he never otherwise so reproachable. Will give him 10l. fee till the matter be tried, and, rather than fail, for his life. The best gentleman in the King's house would be thankful for such a fee. Begs that he may not be troubled with him otherwise in the office; for, besides the loss, "my poor honesty lieth soor thereon." | |
| Hol., pp. 2. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 243. ROBERT AMADAS to WOLSEY. |
| Is desirous of some quiet room or office, specially of the office of mayor of the staple at Westminster, which is filled up at the feast of the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr next coming. Beseeches him to write to the Company of the Mercers, requiring them to elect him, or else to obtain their grant to the King, by which at the next election they will be content to accept the person appointed by the King. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add.: To the most reverend, &c., Card. legate de latere, archbp. of York, primate and chancellor of England. | |
| Harl. 2,252, f. 33 b. B. M. Furnivall's Ballads from MSS. I. 336. |
244. "THE COMPLAINT OF NORTH to the CARDNALL WOLSEY." |
| A poem of eleven stanzas by some one who was imprisoned, apparently for writing verses on Wolsey. He speaks of a book compiled by himself as his "ground of hevynes," and says at the end of the first stanza:— | |
| "For making was my joy, and now ys my grevaunce." | |
| Handwriting not quite contemporaneous. | |
| R. O. | 245. JOHN LORD AUDELEY. |
| i. Substance of lord Audeley's petition to the King. 1. He was ordered to pay for his restitution 6,500 marks, by yearly instalments of 250 marks, which he has paid to the extent of 4,500 marks. Hopes the King will be content to receive the rest at the rate of 100l. a year, as he has done with other of his subjects, although few or none have observed all their days of payment. 2. Lord Audley was solicited to become surety for Lawrence Bonvixi, in a bargain of silks, malveyseys, and English cloth, for which Bonvixi was to receive 2,000 marks of the King in ready money, and deliver the wares into the wardrobe. Lord Audley was content to bind certain lands for the performance of this bargain for a loan of 800l., to be paid at the end of 15 years yet to come, being assured by the Council that not only the bargain was such as Bonvixi was sure to win by, but that they would find means soon to discharge Audley thereof, and put the signories of Venice, Florence, or Lucca in his place. Bonvixi did his best to perform the agreement, but was disappointed by various accidents, and is now dead; and lord Audley has since offered various merchants strangers, and sometimes Englishmen, as securities in his place, but cannot get them accepted. Begs the King will take payment of the 800l. loan by 100l. a year, or else by 250 marks of the lands bound for his restitution. 3. As lord Audley is indebted to others in 2,000l. or more, begs that the King will disburse to him that sum, and take it again in yearly payments of 500 marks upon security of his lands. | |
| Pp. 4. | |
| ii. "Considerations which the lord Audley most humbly desireth to be regarded in his present suit unto the King's highness, concerning the indentures of him and Lawrence Bonevixi." | |
| Pp. 3. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 2. "Lands recovered by the first indenture, dated 18 Feb. 14 Hen. VIII., concerning the performance of lord Audelay's and Lawrence Bonvixi's covenants." The manors of Audelay, Hants, Red Castell, Salop, Wollaryngton and Honybere, Somers., and certain lands in Rumsay, Hants. The manor of Bughlawton, co. Chester. Total yearly value, 173l. They stand charged for payment of 3,423l. 10s. 3½d., to be paid by 3,000 mks. yearly, in silks, woollens, cloths, linen, furs, &c., for five years from All Saints Day, 1535, "and to receive 2,000 mks. in ready money yearly after every such payment; and for lack of such payment, to pay 1,000 mks. in ready money within two months after the said feast." |
| Lands recovered by the second indenture, dated 18 March 16 Hen. VIII. The manors of Heley, Horton, Norton, Chesterton, Tunstall, Belteley, and Heywod, co. Stafford; of the total yearly value of 250 marks. They stand charged with the payment of a like sum, commencing at All Saints Day, 1541. All the above lands stand as well recovered for the payment of the said Lord's restitution, which is 5,333 mks. 6s. 8d., to be paid by 250 mks. yearly, of which 1,666l. 13s. 4d. is unpaid. The said Lord paid 2,800 mks. besides the 1,000l. he paid in hand. | |
| P. 1. Endd.: "Concerning the performance of the lord Audeley's and Laurence Bonvixi's." | |
| R. O. | 246. ADAM FARMER to CROMWELL. |
| Would have been with him by this time but for urgent business. Desires word by the bearer how his mastership speeds. | |
| Hol., p. 1. Begins: Master Cromewell. | |
| R. O. | 247. A LIST OF SHIPS AND CAPTAINS. |
| Wm. Gonston, admiral, The Mary Gounston. Wm. Sabyan, The Les Bark. Bauldwyn Willoughby, The Mary James. Robt. Draper, The Nicholas Draper. Robt. Applyard, The Mynyon. Robt. Saymer, The Criste. Chr. Coo, The Margaret Bonaventure. Thos. Carewe, The Robt. Jonys Ship. Geo. Whitwang, The Trynyte Howard. Robt. Harper, Harper's Barke. Wm. Cook, one of the rough (row) barges. | |
| P. 1. | |
| R. O. | 248. CARRIAGE OF PRISONERS. |
| Receipt by John Tomson of Rye (?) for 26s. 8d. from [Sir John] Huse, kngiht, for carrying two prisoners from ... to the Lord Cardinal. | |
| Mutilated and defaced. | |
| R. O. | 249. NICHOLAS DE LA CHESNAIE, Receiver at Rouen, to the KING [OF ENGLAND]. |
| Petition to be reimbursed for certain damages committed by his subjects on The Jesus, of Rouen, laden with camlets, fustians, &c. for Ireland, according to the terms of the treaty made with Madame the Regent, mother of the king of France. | |
| Fr., p. 1, large paper. Endd.: "Nychas de la Chaysnack." | |
| R. O. | 250. PETITION of JOHN HYDE, Clerk of the Pipe. |
| 1. That being joint officer with Mr. Purde, (fn. 29) he cannot be received as attorney "or a counsel with accomptant in the King's Exchequer," by which he has lost fees to the value of 50l. a year. 2. That he has occupied the office alone for eight years, and will never have part of the King's fee during Purde's life. 3. The profits of the clerk of the Pipe are diminished to 20 marks a year, because the great accountants now account before the King's general surveyors instead of in the Exchequer, yet he is bound to keep the accounts and answer all demands. 4. The effect of every office (inquisition) of the houses suppressed was thrice recorded in the clerk of the Pipe's office; viz., first, in the escheator's accounts; and afterwards, in consequence of the wording of Wolsey's patent, the profits received by Wolsey were first charged upon the escheators, and afterwards upon the sheriffs of the counties, till each petitioned to be discharged. | |
| P. 1. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 251. WOLSEY. |
| Concluding fragment of a draft pardon to cardinal Wolsey. | |
| Part of a paper roll. | |
| A.D. 1530. | |
| 1530. 5 Feb. R. O. |
252. ROBBERIES. |
| The saying of John Saunders before my lord Daubeny, Sir Thos. Trencher, William Hody, and John Bret, justices of the peace in Dorset and other counties, 5 Feb. 21 Hen. VIII. | |
| Gives the names of persons engaged in the following robberies; viz., at Egerton Hill, of one Bouger, of Hethford Mill, on the Thursday before Michaelmas last, and of Mason, at Evershot. Among the names are, Master Nuall; James Ferrer; Sir Richard, priest of Ramsham; Henry Colt, of Oxford, innholder; Parker, scholar of Oxford; and Henry, parish priest of Tower. | |
| Pp. 2. | |
| R. O. | ii. Statement of Sir Ric. Gregory, priest, to Sir Thos. Nevele, knt. |
| Met in Ramsun Park Jas. Farrer, who had been hunting with his master in Wonfort Park, who said to him, "Pryst, thow art a good felow. Cowds be content to goo with good felowes to take a bote (booty)?" Answered that if he knew the company sure he was content. Farrer then named himself, Parkyns, and Robert Paynter, with others, and so departed. | |
| Afterwards at an ale at Ramsun, he asked Gregory if he had ever been at any such deed, which he denied, and Farrer said he had not either; but as Perkyns and the Paynter came up, they departed. Has had no communication with them since. On St. Andrew's Even, Robt. Aley, Robt. Polglas, James Farrer, and Perkyns were with him at mine host's house at St. Martin's. | |
| Mem.—To show who should have been at the robbing of Hoper's house. Item, for the horse that Paynter should sell for the profit of Perkyns. | |
| Pp. 2. | |
| R. O. | iii. Confession of James Bagg, of Axmyster, Devon, concerning the robbery of John Chasse, the younger, at Christmas last, by James Farar. Signed by Bagg, and also by lord Daubeney ("Herry Daubeney"), and Willm. Hody. |
| P. 1. | |
| R. O. | iv. The deposition of Perkyns. |
| Went with Jas. Farror at his request to one Rype's house, who had accused him of being a thief. Farror came to him in Sir Thos. More's name. Went at his request to view Lawrens Hoper's house, and reported that it was folly to meddle with it, for the house was strong and a great dog there. Farror said they should have a good booty there, and the priest would go with them. As to the gelding, he says Giles More gave it to the priest, and that it was astray, and Sir Thos. More gave it to him. When Farrer broke this to him, he asked him whether he would take such part in robbing Laurence Hoper as he, Sir Thos. More, and Robt. Gardyner would. | |
| Mem.—For commandment to be given to the marshall of the King's Bench for taking Richard Worley and Thos. Bryghte. | |
| James Farrour confesses his going to Rype's house with Perkens, and accusing the Paynter of speaking against him at Dorchester. | |
| Mr. More commanded him to find out whether the Painter, the priest, and Perkyns had done any robberies, as he thought them suspicious persons. He discovered nothing, but they were content to go about a robbery which he proposed to them. With this Mr. More was content._ (fn. 30) He says Mr. More never moved him to break with the said persons, nor feel them; but it came only of his own mind to encourage them to rob Hooper. | |
| Pp. 3. | |
| Feb. 7. R. O. Pocock, I. 519. |
253. CAREW and SAMPSON. |
| "A summary abstract of the contents of the Master of the Horse's and Master Dean's letters." | |
| 1. Their discourse with cardinal Farnese, which is contained in previous letters. | |
| 2. Their visit to the Pope, who acknowledged the King's merits to him and the See Apostolic; declared the requests which have been made to him since the beginning of the cause by the King's orators; and excused both what he granted and refused, saying that the importunity of the ambassadors caused him to grant what should not have been granted, and sometimes he withstood their importunity, and refused to do what was required. | |
| 3. Their answer to this, in which they blamed the Pope for dissembling with the King, and granting what he might not grant. | |
| 4. The Pope's excuse that all he did was to declare how much he trusted the King, and that he feared his threats. He confessed his fault, and said that he was never more desirous in his life of serving the King. | |
| 5. The ambassadors' opinion is that the Pope is desirous to accomplish the King's purpose, saying that he will be accounted most ungrateful if he does not do what learned and wise men may require of him. | |
| 6. A discourse of the Pope of the inconveniences he perceives to ensue from Lutheranism. | |
| 7. The Pope's promise to solicit the Emperor for the achieving of the King's purpose. | |
| 8. The Pope's lamentation that the King should mistake his brief sent by Paul de Cassalis, and impute to him a heretical opinion. | |
| 9. The Pope's declaration how much he did for the King in deferring the advocation of the cause. | |
| 10. An exclamation made by the Pope against the King's agents for misreporting him. | |
| 11. His desire to have had the book out of Paul de Cassalis' hand. As Stokesley and other of the King's Council may have reasons not yet heard, he would be glad that learned men on the King's and Queen's side might assemble in some indifferent place, and he would send thither some learned personages to know both their grounds; repeating that whatever he may do by any good cause, the King shall faithfully know him to be desirous to accomplish his purpose, without fear or favor of any creature. | |
| 12. The Emperor's resolution concerning the King's matter, that he was never more sorry for cause, and desired nothing more than a good end therein; if the Pope were not thought indifferent, there may be some good indifferent men found in an indifferent place to be judges, if the King cannot otherwise lose his scruple. The Emperor will be bound to the King never to move or solicit any one, but to suffer the matter to pass at the discretion of the judges; adding that those should be the joyfullest news that might be brought unto him. | |
| 13. News of the conclusion of peace between the Emperor and Venetians and duke of Milan, and that the Florentines have determined to send their orators. | |
| 14. The honorable mention made of the King in the oration made of the peace then taken. | |
| 15. The expedition of De Praet to France, whose charge they know not, "but only to signify the Emperor's coronation at Rome." | |
| 16. The contribution against the Turk proposed in the Consistory of Cardinals. | |
| Pp. 4. | |
| 15 March. Bodl. MSS. Pocock, I. 284. |
254. HENRY VIII. to UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. |
| Credence for Dr. Bell, Windsor, 6 March 21 Hen. VIII. | |
| ii. Warham to his commissary of the University of Oxford, and the masters. | |
| Wonders he has had no answer to his frequent letters on the subject of the bishop of Lincoln and Dr. Bell's mission by the King to have the advice of the University on a certain question. It is strange that they should make any difficulty when the Universities of Paris and Cambridge have declared their minds. Seeing that mighty matters cannot be shortly determined by a great multitude, it would be advisable that they should appoint thirty persons to decide it. Writes in English, that there may be no mistake about his meaning. Knoll, 15 March. | |
| iii. Warham to his Commissary and the Divines. | |
| Complains of the wilfulness of the regents and non-regents in obstructing the decision of the question proposed by the King, and presuming to put conditions upon "you that be heads and rulers." Commands the doctors and bachelors of divinity to settle it among themselves, avoiding such frivolous delays, and to repute the opinion of the majority as that of the University, and send it sealed with the University seal to the King. Contradicts a slanderous report by Master Kington that Mr. Bedell had falsified the Archbishop's letters and seal, and desires that he be punished for the slander. Canterbury, 28 March. | |
| iv. Henry VIII. to the Commissary, &c. | |
| Thanks them for accomplishing his desire in an agreeable manner, distinguishing the effect of the good minds of the more part from the perversity of the rest. Will support their authority in repressing malefactors, for which purpose he has commissioned the duke of Suffolk, who is at hand, always to be ready to assist them. Windsor, 30 April. | |
| 10 May. | 255. AUGUSTINE DE AUGUSTINIS. |
| The patent granted to Augustine de Augustinis, printed in Rymer under this date, though enrolled in the year 22 Hen. VIII., is of the year 1531, and will be found in the next volume. | |
| 27 May. R. O. |
256. ANNE BOLEYN. |
| Warrant to lord Windsor, keeper of the Great Wardrobe, to deliver the following parcels to the use of the lady Anne Rocheford: (1) "For a saddle of the French fashion, with a pillow of down, covered with black velvet, fringed with silk and gold, the head of copper and gilt, graven with antyke works; one footstool, covered with black velvet, fringed with silk and gold; one saddle hose of velvet, lined with black buckram; one harness of black velvet, both fringed with silk and gold, with buttons pear fashion, and tassels of silk and gold; one great tuft of silk and gold upon the crupper, with buckles and pendants of copper and gilt; one slophouse of leather, lined with cotton; two girths of white twine; and two bits with two pair of gilt bosses." | |
| "Item, for a pillion for the said lady Anne, of white fustian stuffed with fine down, with leathers and buckles to the same; one pillion cloth of velvet, fringed with black silk, and lined with black buckram; one footstool, covered with black velvet, and fringed with black silk, garnished with gilt nails, with two buckles of copper and gilt; one harness to the same pillion, of black velvet, fringed with black silk, with buckles and pendants of copper and gilt; two white girths of twine of the double fashion; one pair of reins, covered with black velvet fringed with silk and gold; two buttons and one tassel of silk and gold, with two buckles of copper and gilt, for a saddle of the French fashion for the same lady Anne, with a pillow of fine down covered with black velvet, lined with black buckram, fringed with silk and gold; one head for the same, of copper and gilt, graven with antique works; one footstool covered with black velvet, fringed with silk and gold, garnished with gilt nails, with two buckles of copper and gilt; one harness of black velvet, with a false crupper, fringed with silk and gold, with buttons and tassels of silk and gold, with buckles and pendants of copper and gilt; one slophowse of leather lined with cotton; four girths of twine of the double fashion, and two bits with two pair of gilt bosses; another saddle for the said lady Anne, of the French fashion, with a head of copper and gilt, graven with antique works; one pillion of fine down, covered with black velvet, fringed with silk and gold, lined with black buckram; one footstool, covered with black velvet, fringed with silk and gold, garnished with gilt nails, with two buckles of copper and gilt; one harness of black velvet, fringed with silk and gold, with buttons and tassels of silk and gold, with buckles and pendant of copper and gilt; one slophowse of leather, lined with black cotton; four girths of twine of the double fashion, and two bits with two pair of gilt bosses. | |
| "Item, for two moylettes; two saddles of black leather, garnished with white nails, for the said lady Anne's moylettes that carry her litter, with two pair of double harness, with collars and breeches double-lined and stuffed with buff leather; two headstalls with reins of black leather, and two leading reins eight ... bosis varnished ... double braces of black leather; eight great pins of iron, varnished black; two double girths of twine [of] the double [fashion], and two ... of twine." Richmond, 27 May 22 Hen. VIII. Signed. | |
| Mutilated. | |
| R. O. | 257. VELVET and SATIN. |
| Account of monies due by Thos. Arondell to William Butrye, mercer, for velvet, damask, satin, and sarcenet, supplied at different times, from 26 March 1529[–30] to 20 Nov. 1530, the different parcels being noted in the margin as having been delivered to Sir Thomas London, priest, to Arundel himself, and to his servants. | |
| Velvet Lukes, black, at 16s. a yard; velvet, black, at 12s.; crimson taffeta, at 12s.; damask white, at 8s.; velvet russet Lukes, at 17s.; satin, crimson, at 15s., orange color, 6s. 8d., black, at 8s.; sarcenet, white, at 5s. 8d. Total, 61l. 1s. 9d. | |
| P. 1. Endd. | |
| 16 June. Add. MS. 9,835, f. 1. B. M. | 258. VAGABONDS. |
| Proclamation against vagabonds, in pursuance of the Act of Parliament, 16 June 22 Hen. VIII. All vagabonds, mighty beggars, and other idle persons are to leave the court in 24 hours. No person is to keep more than his proper number of servants, or have vagabonds resorting to his chamber. No person is to keep hounds or greyhounds, or hunt, without licence; and no one is allowed to keep ferrets. | |
| Pp. 2, contemporary copy. | |
| 30 June. | 259. FR. PAULINUS TURCHIUS to [CROKE]. |
| Croke must not be surprised that in such an important case many persons refuse to back up their opinions, or commit them to writing. The absence of the bishop [of Verona] is not without danger to Christendom. Will speak to him as Croke desires, if he comes. 30 June 1530. "Fr. Paulinus Turchius Lucensis, ordinis prædicatorum Veronæ in conventu Sancti Anastasii." | |
| Lat., p. 1, copy. Endd. by Croke. | |
| [Sept.] Vit. B. XIII. 168. B. M. Burnet, IV. 169. |
260. [HENRY VIII. to CLEMENT VII.] |
| Has deferred answering his letter, dated at Bonony, 7 Oct., delivered by Paul Casale. Could not neglect it after diligent examination. Does not condemn the Pope himself for his proceedings in the divorce, but for lending himself to the temerity and ignorance of his councillors. This is a great fault in Christ's vicar, to act so inconstantly and deceivably. Gives an account of the proceedings in the cause from the offering of a commission, in which the King shows that the Pope has acted with great inconsistency. Has been compelled to take the advice of every learned man, whose opinions differ widely "from that those few men of yours do show unto you," and utterly deny that the Pope has a right to dispense with what God and nature have forbidden. The Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, Orleans, Bourges, Angers, and Bologna are of one consent in this respect. Urges that the Pope's councillors diminish his apostolical authority. If the King were to obey the Pope's letters in that they affirm what he knows to be otherwise, would offend God and his conscience. His Holiness must pardon the plainness of this language. Has no intention of impugning his authority, unless he is compelled, and the course he takes is rather to confirm it. | |
| Draft, pp. 8, mutilated. | |
| [Sept.] R. O. Pocock, (fn. 31) II. 5. |
261. [GHINUCCI to HENRY VIII.] |
| Has at length obtained from the city of Sienna the opinion of Decius, signed by him and another learned doctor; also another opinion from another Siennese lawyer, the most learned after these two: so we have got all the famous lawyers of that city. Has also obtained two opinions of divines, which he has given to these English doctors; and his nephew writes that he has some hope of obtaining two others, but that the cardinal of Sienna, who is there, inspires them all with great terror. | |
| I wrote to your Majesty before that I had obtained two opinions of a Spanish friar, Felix, who had written in favor of the Queen. I gave them an opinion of Friar John de Finario, likewise in her favor, to Friar Dionisius, who has written for your Majesty, to refute them, which he has begun to do. Gallatinus, as I wrote, had promised to write in your favor, but said he would not show what he had written unless the Pope ordered him. Afterwards he began to write, but was forced to discontinue, as he says, by a servant of Cardinal Ægidius. You will understand this from our common letters._Since I wrote this he has come to me, saying he is threatened with death if he write, and he would like the Pope not only to order but to compel him. I persuaded him, however, to deny that he was writing, and go on, assuring him that your Majesty would write to the Pope in his behalf. | |
| Bishop Hipolitus de Nobili, friar, excuses himself for not having written, owing to ill health, but promises to do so now that he has recovered. | |
| Gives an account of an audience with the Pope, in which he remonstrated against the refusal of his Holiness to grant letters decretal, or commit the cause to England, remarking on an insinuation of the Pope that the divorce was not popular there, as an argument for the latter course. Had some discussion with him on the value of the opinion of the University of Paris. Reminded the Pope of his obligations to England at the time the Emperor was at war with his Holiness, of which the writer had good knowledge when he was in Spain, and said that his predecessors had not been so dilatory when they saw danger impending. Urged also that the Emperor either would not or could not oppose a General Council, if other princes were agreed to it, and if it took place it would be greatly to the prejudice of his authority, for during the last 200 years no Pope has continued Pope after a General Council. | |
| Reports another interview with his Holiness upon a Sunday, when the Pope said he could with less scandal give the King a dispensation for two wives, than grant what the writer asked;—but not knowing how this would suit his Majesty, thought it better to stick to the point. The Pope, however, continued to speak of the King's having two wives, and found several difficulties, especially that the Emperor would never consent to it on account of the prejudice which would ensue to the Princess. (fn. 32) Replied, that he did not see why the Emperor was to be considered, if a way was lawfully opened for the King to have male issue, or that he would have any cause to complain. He might make the same complaint if the Queen died, and the King wanted a dispensation to marry within the prohibited degrees. This observation the Pope did not answer. From what he said about the Emperor, does not feel sure that he would grant such a dispensation, even if the King would be content with it. | |
| Seeing his obstinacy, went to some of the cardinals, regretting the danger to which the Pope was exposing the Holy See; but even they appeared to be very little moved. They said, however, they would do what they could to influence the Pope; and so did Sanga. Had an interview also with Philip de Senis on the same subject. | |
| Further conversations with the Pope. | |
| Lat., pp. 10, partly cipher, deciphered. Add. | |
| 2. Decipher in Tuke's hand. | |
| Pp. 6. Headed: Ex literis receptis i. die Octobris. Endd. | |
| Sept. R. O. |
262. [THE AMBASSADORS AT ROME to HENRY VIII.] |
| Think it right to tell the King why they did not execute the whole of their instructions. One point was, that if the Pope refused to grant a decretal to three bishops or a commission to the archbishop and clergy of Canterbury, they should draw up a protestation that justice was denied them, and present an appeal to a future General Council. Explain their reasons for not doing so, at least until they have fresh orders, which can be sent before anything new is done here. Pius II. and Julius II. issued bulls prohibiting such appeals; of which they send copies. The same consideration prevented them from going to the Cardinals to announce the letter of the nobles (No. 6513). Thought it prudent also not to allege the privilege of the kingdom of England when the Pope asked why they did not come to judgment before him, on account of the doubt which the doctors cast upon that privilege. State reasons also why they did not consult the doctors about the objection to the Pope on the score of legitimacy or simony, and whether a single cardinal could make a valid protest, seeing that several Popes had been illegitimate. Send copy of the bull of Julius against simony. | |
| Headed: Extracta literarum in cifris receptarum ultimo Septembris, anno xxij. R. | |
| Lat., copy by Tuke, pp. 3. Endd. | |
| 3 Oct. | 263. KATHARINE OF ARRAGON to the CARD. S. CRUCIS. (fn. 33) |
| Hopes God will reward him for his pains in her matter, as it concerns His Church. Desires him to use his influence with the Pope that her cause shall remain in the Rota, and not be removed on any pretence to England. Windsor, 3 Oct. | |
| Oct. R. O. Pocock, II. 477. |
264. RICHARD CROKE. |
| "Articles against Sir Gregory Casalis and his brethren, which shall be proved partly with their own letters, partly with the letters of divers other men of good and substantial credence;" viz., that Sir Gregory had divulged at Milan that the question concerned the King, which made the doctors afraid to meddle, and had delivered the King's book to his enemies, who wrote against it: that he had delivered an abstract of the arguments in the King's behalf to Vincent de Cremona, who caused the determination of Ferrara to be taken from Croke: that Paul de Casalis promised in his brother's name that the King should take no displeasure with the duke of Ferrara on that account: that John de Casalis gave Croke, on his first coming to Venice, a false index of St. Mark's library, that he might not find the epistle of Basil, and had exhorted Simonetus at Padua to suppress the subscriptions he had obtained. | |
| Croke's hand, pp. 2. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 265. THE DIVORCE. |
| Opinions of various divines in favor of the divorce, sent by Croke. | |
| 1. Of Peter de Verona, Servite friar. | |
| Lat., pp. 3. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 2. Of Chrysostom de Casalis, inquisitor of the order of Preachers. |
| Lat., pp. 4. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 3. Another copy of § 2. with three signatures appended. |
| Pp. 8. | |
| R. O. | 4. Another opinion, endorsed "Consilium fratris M. Antonii Faven', ministri, &c., ord. Convent. S. Francisci." |
| R. O. | 5. Of Thos. Omnibonus, prior of SS. John and Paul, Venice, and Alex. da Capo, S.T.P. Signed. |
| Lat., p. 1. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 6. Of Thos. Omnibonus, dated 20 April 1530, offering to write more in the cause. |
| Lat., p. 1. | |
| R. O. | 7. Similar opinion, signed by Omnibonus, John Francis de Bratis, of Venice, and two others. |
| Lat., pp. 2. Endd. by Croke. | |
| R. O. | 8. Similar opinion, signed by Omnibonus, Constantine Zarnus, and Lewis de Martinis. |
| Lat., p. 1. Endd. by Croke. | |
| R. O. | 9. Similar opinion, signed by Omnibonus, Peter de Brundusio, and two others. |
| Lat., p. 1. Endd. by Croke. | |
| R. O. | 10. Similar opinion, signed by Omnibonus and Andrew Fineti, to whose name is appended the remark, "Iste fatuus est." |
| Lat., pp. 2. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 11. Similar opinion, signed by Omnibonus, Boninus Salvio, John Gentilinus, and four others. |
| Lat., pp. 2. Endd.: Syngrapha aliquot Paduanorum, &c. | |
| R. O. | 12. Similar opinion, signed and sealed by Omnibonus, Alex. de Bonzaninis, Jas. de Symeonibus, and six others. |
| Lat., pp. 3. Endd.: Ex Utino, authore Thoma Omnibono. | |
| To each of the above Croke has noted, "Crocus Londoniensi tradidit." | |
| R. O. | 13. Copy of the preceding. Endd. by Croke: These subscriptions sealed are in my hand, and were gotten by father Thomas Omnibonus, of whose hand this copy is. |
| 14. Modern copy of the preceding. | |
| R. O. | 15. Similar opinion, signed by Omnibonus, Peter Justinopolitanus, Bernardinus Senensis, and five others. |
| Lat., pp. 2. Endd. by Croke: Subscriptions sent by Friar Thomas. | |
| R. O. | 16. Similar opinion, subscribed by Omnibonus and Nicolaus Birianus. |
| Lat., p. 1. | |
| R. O. | 17. Of a lawyer, against the dispensing power of the Pope. |
| Lat., p. 1. Headed: Summa eorum quæ habentur in hoc consilio. | |
| R. O. | 18. Anonymous, on the dispensing power. |
| Lat., pp. 9. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 19. List of subscriptions to opinions in the King's favor obtained by Croke, through Simonetus, Franciscus Georgius, Annibal Grisonius, and Thomas Omnibonus. |
| Lat., pp. 11. Endd. by Croke: The subscriptions gote by Mr. Croke. | |
| R. O. | 20. "The names of doctors that hath subscribed to our conclusion by Simonetus' means." |
| P. 1. Endd. by Croke as above. | |
| R. O. | 21. A list of 57 doctors and other learned men of Verona, Venice, Udine, Brescia, Bologna, Trevisa, Milan, Piacenza, and Parma, who have written in the King's favor. |
| Lat., pp. 5. Endd. by the King: Nomina eorum qui in partes nostros (sic) scripsere in Italia. | |
| R. O. | 22. List of the doctors at the College of Padua. |
| P. 1, mutilated. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 266. THE DIVORCE. |
| i. A speech delivered in some university on the unlawfulness of marriage with a deceased brother's wife. Signed: "J. Dayma." | |
| Lat., pp. 12. Begins: "Etsi, senator dignissime." Ends: "benivolo datur animo." | |
| ii. An argument against the dispensing power in the case of such a marriage. Signed: "Blazius Auziolus, doctor." | |
| Lat., pp. 9. Begins: "Super dubio proposito." Ends: "et generalis status ecclesiæ." | |
| iii. Another similar argument. Signed: "J. de Fraxino, Regens Universitatis Tholosanæ." | |
| Lat., pp. 8. Begins: "Quæstio mihi infrasubscripto proposita talis est." Ends: "cum videantur magna ad utramque partem argumenta." | |
| iv. Another similar argument. Signed: "J. de Fraxino." | |
| Lat., pp. 4. Begins: "Arduo dubio michi oblato." Ends: "salva correctione melius sentientis et Papæ determinatione." | |
| v. Another similar argument. Dated Toulouse, in the convent of the Preachers, iv. kal. Jan. 1530. Signed: "Frater Ramundus Gosinus, inquisitor prædictus." | |
| Lat., pp. 3. Begins: "Utrum sic sit jure divino pariter et naturali prohibitum." After the date is added: "artus nostros lenta quatiente febre." | |
| vi. Another argument on the same subject, pronouncing against such a marriage as contrary to natural and Divine law, but favoring the dispensing power in certain cases. Dated Toulouse, "anno a Partu Virginis 1530, 23 Madii" (sic). Signed: "F. Spiritus Roterus, lector Auscitanus or. Frm. Prædicatorum." Add.: "D. Johanni Bartholomei, in supprema curia Parlamenti, senatori inclyto." | |
| Lat., pp. 9. In a vellum cover. Endd.: "Consilia Blesii, Aurelii et aliorum doctorum Tolosanorum." | |
| R. O. | 2. Extract from an opinion of some university against the dispensing power. |
| Lat., p. 1. | |
| R. O. | 3. An argument against the dispensing power in the divorce question. Signed: "Annibal Gr., Ju. ut. doct." |
| Lat., pp. 3. Begins: "Licet punctus." Ends: "Volo esse contentus." | |
| R. O. | 4. An opinion, signed "M. Hartier," maintaining the right of a wife to leave her husband on her own authority, when the tie is illicit or incestuous, and to marry again. The matter ought to be decided by the ordinary of the place, and not referred to the Pope, except by regular appeal. In case of a denial of justice she must not act against her conscience. |
| Lat., pp. 2. Endd. by the King: "Opinio cujusdam eruditissimi in nostram causam, scilicet propria autoritate licet ducere." | |
| R. O. | 267. THE DIVORCE. |
| Extract from a brief of Julius II. to his Nuncio in Spain, dated 14 March 1504, concerning the delay in granting the dispensation for the marriage of Henry and Katharine. | |
| Lat., p. 1. Marginal note by Ghinucci. Endd. by Hen. VIII.: A note of a brefe off Pope Julii makyng for oure cause. | |
| R. O. | 268. _ to DOCTOR [DE AUGUSTINIS]. |
| I request you to further the suits of my friend, the bearer, to my Lord's grace,whereby you shall minister unto me great pleasure. | |
| Draft, p. 1. Endd.: "Mr. Abraham." | |
| Year uncertain. | |
| R. O. | 269. [KATHARINE OF ARRAGON to CHARLES V.] |
| Asks him to give a Breton ship, taken by his Great Admiral, and now lying in Flushing haven, to James Beke, merchant of London, who has sustained a great loss, both by French pirates and by storm within the Emperor's waters. | |
| Pp. 2, draft in English. Endd.: The most myty Cesar. | |
| R. O. | 270. CHARLES DUKE OF SUFFOLK to WOLSEY. |
| In favor of the bearer, the steward of Great Yarmouth, who is deputed by the town to sue for them to the King, in a matter between them and one Palmer, a customer and bailiff there, who has obtained a letter signed by the King in discharge of his bailiwick. Rising, 28 March. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal. | |
| R. O. | 271. The INHABITANTS OF ALDEBURGH to CROMWELL. |
| Send him "a porpes pyg." Request him to be good solicitor to my Lord's grace in their causes, and will recompense his pains. Aldeburgh in Suffolk, 2 Oct. | |
| P. 1. Add.: To the right worshipful Master Cromwell. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 272. ANTHONY APPULBY to CROMWELL. |
| Thanks him for his favor touching the parsonage of Brandisburton, the gift of my lord Legate through Cromwell's labor. Sends the 20l. promised by Mr. Donyngton to my Lord for the assignation of the pension of Brandisburton. Thos. Bertton will pay it to whom Cromwell pleases. Sends an angel noble for a token, and will send a better yearly while he lives. Begs Cromwell to get him a prebend in York or Beverley, and will pay whatever it costs, either to my Lord or otherwise. Will give Cromwell 20l. to buy a saddle for his pains. Londesburghe, 2 July. Signed: Sir Anthony Appulby, by your good favor the parson of Bransburton. | |
| P. 1. Add.: Master Cromwell, councillor and high officer to my lord Legate's grace at Yorke's Place. Endd. | |
| R. O. | 273. CORN SURVEY. (fn. 34) |
| Account of grain in the hundreds of Myddelton, Teneham, Boughton, Wye, Fylberough, Downhamford, Bleangate and Whitstaple, giving the number of bushels of each kind of grain, and the population of each hundred. | |
| Pp. 3, mutilated. Endd. |