Spain: April 1498 | British History Online

Pages 149-150

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1862.

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Citation:

April 1498



7 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	A general peace desired by Ferdinand and Isabella. 194. Ferdinand and Isabella to the Knight Commander Londoño. In addition to their instructions of the 7th of March, order him to tell Henry that they have always wished for universal peace in Christendom. Have been forced to begin war with France by their obligation to defend the Pope. Have brought the war from Italy into their own states. Their object, that is to say, the security of the Pope, being attained, there is not any reason for continuing the war. Are, therefore, desirous to conclude a general peace. Before the beginning of the war in Italy, the Italians had made great offers and great promises, but forgot all as soon as the war between Spain and France began. The Italians are suspicious, dissatisfied with the truce, and ask that the negotiations should be carried on at Turin. They fear that the truce would be prolonged, and, refusing all assistance and all participation in the war, would leave Spain alone to carry it on at her own expense. Have therefore sent an embassy to France to conclude the peace without asking the consent of the Italians ; but have heard nothing of their ambassadors since their departure, except that the King of France would not hear them, but ordered them to be taken prisoners. That was done in order to force them to sign a treaty which would separate Spain from her allies. As soon as fresh news arrive another despatch will be sent.—Alcalá de Hénares, 7th of April 1498. Indorsed : "Instruction of their Catholic Highnesses to the Knight Commander Londoño. What he has to say to the King of England." Spanish. The document is written by Almazan. It is not signed either by the King and Queen or by the Secretary. pp. 2.
7 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	195. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla. Have sent their answer to his letters, and the ratification of the treaty. Pedro de Avila is the courier who has gone with these papers. Wonder that he has not written for so long a time, as ambassadors from France and Italy are in England. He must write without delay respecting what these ambassadors are doing in England, and about all other things that are happening there. Send the Knight Commander Londoño and the Sub-prior of Santa Cruz to Flanders, and entrust some business in England to them.—Alcalá de Hénares, 7th April 1498. Indorsed : "Draft of the letter of their Catholic Highnesses to Doctor De Puebla, 7th of April 1498." Spanish. Draft. pp. 1½.