Spain: August 1498 | British History Online

Pages 180-195

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

Citation:

August 1498



1 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 1.	Alliance. 213. Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella. 1. The friendship and alliance between them and their successors to last for ever.
	Intercourse. 2. Commerce and intercourse between their respective dominions to be free. All general or special passports to be abolished.
	Rebels. 3. Notorious enemies and rebels of either of the contracting Princes not to be permitted to stay in the dominions of the other contracting Prince, or to be aided, favoured, or assisted by him. (fn. 1)
	Treaties. 4. If one of the contracting parties conclude a treaty with a third power, the right of the other contracting power to be reserved to accede to the treaty if it like to do so.
	Shipping. 5. All Spanish and English captains, or masters of ships, sailing either from Spanish or English ports, to give security for their good behaviour during the voyage.
	Redress of injuries. 6. If subjects of either of the contracting parties commit acts contrary to this treaty, their alliance is not to be considered as dissolved, but the King whose subject has committed such a breach of the peace promises to give full reparation for it.
	Special judges. 7. All disputes arising from this treaty between Spanish and English subjects to be settled by special judges.
	Promulgation of treaty. 8. The treaty to be promulgated in all principal towns, and especially in all seaports. (fn. 2) Indorsed : "Simple draft of certain clauses belonging to a treaty of friendship and alliance with the Catholic Kings, concluded on the 1st and 2nd of August 1498." Spanish, pp. 12.
1 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 1.	214. Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella. Draft of the same treaty of the 1st and 2nd of August 1498, in Latin, signed by Dr. De Puebla.— No date. Indorsed : "Clauses in Latin of the treaty of friendship and alliance between the Catholic King and Queen and the King of England." Latin.
1 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 1.	215. Henry VII. and Ferdinand and Isabella. Another Latin draft of the projected treaty of the 1st and 2nd of August 1498. —Neither signed nor dated.
16 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	216. The Sub-prior of Santa Cruz to Ferdinand and Isabella. Arrived on Tuesday, 31st of July. Saw the Archduke and the Archduchess on the following Thursday. Both he and Londoño were well received. Told the Archduchess the subject of their mission. She was much pleased with it. She is very handsome and stout. Her pregnancy is much advanced.
16 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	Archduchess. Went to see her on the Friday for the second time. The Archduchess seemed to be a little disturbed when she heard what was said of her in Spain. Told her she had left so good a memory in Castile that her virtues would be always remembered, whatever might be said of her to the contrary. Besides, nothing had been said, except to the King and the Queen, who know so well how to excuse her. She explained her conduct, and stated many reasons, which have not been given in writing. Doña Marina Manuel is not with her. The Flemings have not given either him or Londoño anything to eat. Wish to be provided with money should they be ordered to stay longer. Has received a present of 53 ducats in nobles from the King of England. Indorsed : "To their Highnesses, from the Prior of Santa, Cruz, 16th of August '98." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 1½
16 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	Archduchess. Her conduct. 217. Sub-prior of Santa Cruz to Ferdinand and Isabella. Spoke on Ascension Day, for the third time, with the Archduchess. Asked her whether she had no message to send her father and mother. She answered, she had not, because she had written not long ago. The Archduchess has not made any enquiry concerning either her mother, or any other person in Spain. The Archduchess did not like his presence in Flanders, because some person, most probably the Countess of Camin, had written to her saying that he was coming as her confessor. Declared that he had not come in that quality. The Archduchess said, that she would take his demands into consideration, should he remain some days longer. Answered that he had not come as an inquisitor to inquire into her conduct, and would not write a word except what came from her lips. Would wait upon her often or seldom, just as she liked. The Archduchess answered he might come to see her as often as he liked. She would wish to hear what it was that he thought was not right in her conduct. Does not know whether his embassy will have any result. The Archduchess did not confess on Ascension Day, although her two confessors were in attendance. Does not know whether that was done because she has so little devotion, or because he was present.—16th August. Indorsed : "To their Highnesses, from the Sub-prior of Santa Cruz, 16th August '98." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 1½.
17 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	218. Sanchez Londoña to Ferdinand and Isabella. Could not send a courier from England by sea, because the weather was too boisterous. The messenger of Don Pedro de Ayala went with them, first to Calais and Brussels, and then to a seaport in Flanders, whence he embarked for Spain.
	Arrival in Brussels. Arrived at Brussels on the 1st of August. The Archduke and Archduchess received them well. Presented his credentials as ambassador. Don Rodrigo left on the 8th of August, with duplicates of the despatches and letters sent with the messenger of Don Pedro. It was known at that time in Flanders that France had declared war against the King of the Romans and against Spain. England was rendering good services in this war. Advises that a person of great authority should be sent as ambassador to Henry.
	Peace with France. The Count of Nassau returned from his embassy to France two or three days before the Feast of the Blessed Virgin in August, (fn. 3) and has brought the treaty of peace between the Archduke and the King of France. The Archduke has solemnly sworn, on the Feast of the Assumption, in the principal church at Brussels, to observe the peace. The clauses of the treaty are, that the Archduke receives the three towns in Artois, and swears in his quality of Count of Flanders and Artois, obedience to the King of France, binding himself by an oath never to demand the restitution of Burgundy. The three places in Artois are to be given back as soon as the King of the Romans orders his army to leave the territory of France. Went to the Archduke on the eve of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin in August. Could not see him. Was told to return on the day after the Feast of the Blessed Virgin, when the Archduke had already sworn the treaty. Asked him to communicate to him the contents of the treaty, and to write to Spain. The Archduke answered that he would do so at a later period. It is clear that those who govern Flanders wish to separate the Archduke from them and the King of the Romans. Those who have come from France said that the truce which has been agreed to between Spain and France, remains unaltered. Under such circumstances, does not dare to do anything.
	Monsieur de Bèvres, Prince de Chimay, Monsieur de Berghes. The first chaplain will write about all this more circumstantially. He is returning to his see. Monsieur de Bèvres is dead. The Prince of Chimay has been created caballero de honor in the place of Monsieur de Bèvres. He has spoken like a faithful servant of theirs. Has given him their letter. Has not yet been able to speak to Monsieur de Berghes, because he is in Zeeland. Has given their letter to the Provost of Liége. —Brussels, 17th of August. P.S.—Has written to the Knight Commander of Haro, and asked what the King of the Romans thinks of the peace between Flanders and France. Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Lords, our most Christian King and Queen of Spain." Spanish. Holograph. Great portions are in cipher deciphered by Almazan. pp. 6.
17 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	219. The Bishop Elect of Astorga to Ferdinand and Isabella. Has written on the 3rd of August by Diego de Valderas, messenger of Don Pedro de Ayala, and on the 7th of the same month by Don Rodrigo Manrique. The Archduke, and the Archduchess, whose pregnancy is much advanced, are in good health.
	Peace with France. The Archduke has made peace with France. The ambassadors sent to England have not yet returned. The peace with France is not conducive to a good or speedy settlement of the affairs pending in England. Hopes, nevertheless, that all will end well.
	King of the Romans. The King of the Romans has routed 3,000 Frenchmen. Sends a copy of the treaty which the Archduke has sworn. Thanks for his preferment to the dignity of Astorga. Will, before leaving, inform the new ambassador of all the affairs of Flanders. Monsieur de Bèvres is dead. The Prince of Chimay has obtained his place. His wife is a daughter of Count d'Albret.
	The Bastard. The Bastard and Doña Martina are staying at a country house, two leagues distant from Brussels. Has recommended him for the place of the late Monsieur de Bèvres, but neither the Archduke nor the Archduchess like him. The Sub-prior of Santa Cruz has had private conversations with the Archduchess. The Pope has sent the Rose to the Archduke.—Brussels, 17th of August 1498.
	Peace with France. P.S.—The peace with France is very much liked by the people, and by a great portion of the nobility. They say that the King of the Romans has consented to it, and that the French would not permit the Flemish commissioners to make communications to the Spanish ambassadors whilst the negotiations were pending. The King of France has presented to the Flemish commissioners the following sums of money :—To the Count of Nassau 300 marcs ; to the President of Flanders 60 marcs ; to De Fores 50 marcs ; and to the Secretary 40 marcs. They are very well satisfied with the King of France. The conduct of the Archduchess has improved somewhat in consequence of a letter from her nurse (Aya).
	King of the Romans. The King of the Romans has requested the Archduke to collect an army, and to have an interview with him in Luxemburgh. The Archduke has excused himself. The King of the Romans is still at Friburgh. Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Lords, the most Christian King and Queen of Spain." Spanish. Holograph. The postscript is in cipher, deciphered by Almazan. pp. 4½.
20 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	220. Archduke Philip to De Puebla. Calls him my beloved and good friend. Thanks him for his good services, and hopes he will continue to employ his influence to preserve a good understanding between him and Henry VII.—Brussels, 20th August 1498. Addressed : "To our dear and good friend, ambassador in England to the very powerful, excellent, and high Princes, our dear parents, the King and Queen of Spain". Indorsed : Copy of a letter from the Archduke, translated from French into Castilian. Spanish. Copy. p. ½.
25 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	Marriage of Princess Katharine. 221. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella. Has already answered their letters, brought by Londoño and the Sub-prior of Santa Cruz, two or three times. Asks them to send their ratifications of the last treaties. The clause securing to the Princess of Wales one third of the revenues of England in case that she become Queen, is contained only in this last concluded treaty. It is not to be found in the treaty which has already been ratified by them. Henry cannot certainly be expected to deliver his ratification without receiving, at the same time, a copy of the treaty ratified by them. Is of opinion that they should have all the copies of the treaty returned to them in which the said clause is not contained. The papal dispensation has already arrived in England.
	The late disturbances in England. When the last disturbances took place in England, they were informed of them sooner in Spain than he was in London. Has read to the King the portion of their despatch which refers to it. The King expressed his thanks, and said that he never doubted their readiness to assist him, because England belonged as much to the Princess of Wales, their daughter, as to the Prince of Wales, his son. The late, and also the present King of France, are witness that in all his dealings with France he has continually had in view the advantage of Spain.
	Perkin. Conversation with Perkin. Perkin in the Biscayan ship. "With respect to the observations of your Highnesses on Perkin, there is nothing to be said, except that he is kept with the greatest care in a tower, where he sees neither sun nor moon. The Bishop of Cambray, ambassador of the Archduke, wished to see Perkin, because he had formerly transacted business with him. The King, therefore, sent a few days ago for Perkin, and asked (fn. 4) him in my presence why he had deceived the Archduke and the whole country. Perkin answered as he had done before, and solemnly swore to God that the Duchess, Madame Margaret, knew as well as himself that he was not the son of King Edward. The King then said to the Bishop of Cambray and to me, that Perkin had deceived the Pope, the King of France, the Archduke, the King of the Romans, the King of Scotland, and almost all Princes of Christendom, except your Highnesses. I saw how much altered Perkin was. He is so much changed that I, and all other persons here, believe his life will be very short. He must pay for what he has done. I do not remember whether I have already written to your Highnesses respecting what the Biscayans did who brought him from Ireland to Cornwall. The ship in which Perkin was, falling in with the fleet of the King, was boarded. The commander of the said fleet called the captain and the crew of the ship into his presence, and told them, that, as they were aware, the Kings of Spain and England were living on terms of intimate friendship, that the Prince, of Wales has now married the Princess Katharine, and that the marriage has been really contracted, I acting as proxy for the Princess. He then exhorted them, as faithful subjects of your Highness, to deliver up Perkin if he were hidden in their ship. The English did not know him. The commander of the fleet promised them 2,000 nobles in the name of the King, besides many other favours, and showed the letters patent under the royal signature, signed with the royal seal, which they had on board the fleet. The obstinate Biscayans, however, swore, in spite of all this, that they had never known or heard of such a man. Perkin was all this time in the bows of the ship, hidden in a pipe. He told me all this himself ; and the man who came to ask letters for your Highnesses, recommending the said Biscayans to mercy, gave the same relation."
	Exception of the King of the Romans and the Archduke in the treaty. Has read to the King their reasons for excepting the King of the Romans and the Archduke. He declared himself satisfied with them. However, after he had consulted with his Council about this matter, he entirely changed his mind. What the English complain most of is, that the King of the Romans and the Archduke are included and excepted in the copy of the treaty which has been sent to England for ratification. They think it would be enough to include them without excepting them. Informed the King that he could not change a syllable in the treaty without fresh orders from Spain. Had recourse to the expedient which they will see in the draft of the treaty inclosed in this letter. If they approve of it they may ratify it.
	Conversation with Henry VII. Worth of the alliance of Henry to Spain. Character of the English. King Henry spoke from the innermost of his heart, and said that he could not understand why they did not prefer his friendship to that of the King of the Romans and of the Archduke. It was clear that an alliance with him was worth an hundred times more than an alliance with Maximilian and Philip. He demanded, therefore, that he might conclude the treaty without excepting them, and added that he had done things of greater moment, against his own judgment, only because the King and Queen of Spain had asked him to do so. The house of England has never asked succour from any other Prince. That is the reason why the English do not like to conclude such a treaty. "When the English say that they never have begged succour from their allies, they speak truly. The reason thereof is simply because wars in England come to a final conclusion within the short space of a month or two. On the other hand, the English have often to send succour to their allies. They have frequently done so, (fn. 5) and are even now ready to do so again, especially against France." Henry is not disposed to conclude the treaty on the conditions which Spain has proposed. Has done all in his power to get them accepted, but has found it impossible. May God forgive Monsieur de Bèvres if he has caused these difficulties. When Monsieur de Bèvres and the other Flemish ambassadors came to England, they would have been unable to conclude anything but for his intervention and assistance. "The English are of very changeable character, and it is difficult to negotiate with them. As soon, however, as they have bound themselves by a treaty, they keep it and are very reliable." Henry invaded France only because he was requested to do so by the King of the Romans. The enterprise was very inconvenient to himself, and not liked by the people. Hopes that the alterations introduced into the draft of the treaty, which is inclosed in this letter, will meet all difficulties with respect to the excepting of the members of the league and the Kings of Portugal, Naples, and Navarre. The alliance is to be concluded between Kings who are friends of the aforesaid Princes, and not between enemies (fn. 6) of them.
	Embassy to France. Difficulties about the treaty. Conduct of the King of France. Behaviour of the King of the Romans. The ambassadors sent to France have written that the King of France has finally proposed to them to renew the treaty concluded with his predecessor, binding himself, under great penalties, to pay the tribute of 100,000 francs a year besides the pensions. King Henry has, however, sworn that neither himself nor his ambassadors have concluded anything with France, because many things have first to be considered. Asked if Ferdinand and Isabella were to be included in this treaty with the present King of France, as they had been included in the treaty with the late King. King Henry remarked, that he believed so, but could not positively tell before his ambassadors had returned. Said that the King of France had already proclaimed this new treaty of alliance with England. King Henry answered, that he knew nothing of the kind, and, at all events, he had not consented to it. Knows that the French do sometimes make false proclamations and other similar things. The circumstance of the King of France being requested to bind himself with respect to Henry, whilst Henry will not undertake new obligations towards France, has caused great difficulties. Former Kings of England possessed Brittany and Flanders. The present King of England does not possess either of the said countries, but is in a position to send great armies to succour the enemies of France ; a thing which is certainly of considerable importance. But as the King of France is so near and so powerful a neighbour, and yet pays tribute to the King of England, and pensions to the English, Henry esteems his friendship more than the whole of the Indies, especially when he sees that the whole Christian world combined can scarcely resist the King of France. (fn. 7) The new King of France has even gone so far in his desire to oblige Henry as to abandon Scotland. The King of France has acknowledged the obligations of his predecessor towards Henry without demanding the acknowledgment of any obligation from Henry in return. The reason thereof is simply this :—Had the King of England undertaken any engagement towards France, he would have been under the necessity of including in the treaty all the other members of the league ; a thing which it is the interest of France to prevent by all means. Hopes, however, this trick will not be applied to Spain. Henry and his whole Council have repeatedly declared that everything else must be postponed to the safety of Spain. The King of France has been informed of this declaration ; and the marriage between the Princess Katharine and the Prince of Wales will give greater security to Spain than any treaty could. But if Spain should undertake a war against France in order to assist the other members of the league, Henry declares that he would not be bound to send any succour. The Italians have always tried to divert the war from their own country, and to transport it into Spain. They would, if England openly declared herself against France, soon manage for Italy to remain in perfect peace, whilst war was raging in England, or at least on her coasts. The King of the Romans is a worse ally than the Italians. He showed his true character in his last negotiations with King Henry. He sent his ambassadors to England, and begged the King to invade France. But before his ambassadors had got any answer, news had already arrived that the King of the Romans had made peace with France, or at least recalled his troops from Burgundy. The Cardinal of England, who is more in the interest of Spain than any one else, says that Ferdinand and Isabella must send the Princess Katharine to England if they wish that King Henry should do what they desire. Her arrival would give so much security and so much courage to the King and the whole kingdom, that a war with France would no longer be feared.
	Customs. Concerning the custom-house duties there is nothing to be said here. Henry has already given the desired promises under his seal and signature. He has not raised any obstacles.
	Embassy from Flanders. Intervention of De Puebla. The difficulties between England and Flanders have not been settled in the conferences of Bruges. The only conclusion arrived at there was that the negotiations were to be continued in England. The Bishop of Cambray came with three other ambassadors to London for that purpose. They brought letters from the Archduke, the Archduchess, the Dean of Jaen, and Rodrigo Manrique. Was asked by all to assist the Flemish ambassadors in their negotiations. Answered that he intended to do what was asked, for that his orders from Spain obliged him to do so. The ambassadors, however, began their negotiations without telling him anything about their business. They had not obtained the slightest result in their conferences with the Commissioners of Henry, or from their intercourse with the King. When the Bishop of Cambray saw that all their efforts were in vain, he came to his lodgings, and told him, with great sorrow, the whole history of their bad success. The Bishop is a very respectable and noble personage, the most truthful and most honest Fleming he has ever seen. Had a long conversation with him. Promised to go directly to the King, and to arrange the affair to the satisfaction of both Henry and the Archduke. Has more influence over the King of England, in all things which do not relate to Spain, than all his counsellors put together. Henry was very angry at first, and the things he said were by no means sweet. Made the King entirely change his mind, however, and suspend the execution of the bad expedient he had already determined upon. From that day forth the Bishop of Cambray has never been to see the King except in his company, and the King has never deliberated upon the business of Flanders in his Council except in his presence. Made one, or rather two proposals, which satisfied the ambassadors, and met with the approval of the King. The drafts of the new conventions have been sent to Flanders for approval and ratification. Is quite admired by the Flemish ambassadors, who have written to the Archduke and the Archduchess that he has performed miracles. The answer is daily expected.
	Denmark. Respecting Denmark, the arrangements can be made in the manner they like.
	Venice and Milan. The ambassadors of Venice and Milan had no power to conclude anything with Henry. They brought only letters full of compliments and sweet words, in order to raise suspicion in the King of France against the King of England. They were recalled by their princes, and went away without any answer from the King of England. The Duke of Milan afterwards sent a messenger, and wrote that an ambassador would soon follow. Is informed by Henry VII. that the object of this mission is to marry the son of the Duke of Milan to one of his daughters. Both children are of the same age.
	Conclusion of the war between Spain and France. Read to the King of England the portion of their despatch in which they thank him for his good wishes respecting the conclusion of the war. Henry was very glad, and said that he had sent his congratulations on this subject from pure love to the King and Queen of Spain, who are now his relatives. Is ordered by the King of England to tell them that, in his opinion, all things have come to a most satisfactory conclusion, for the King of France has restored the property of the Church, and is now leaving Naples in peace. Before the King and Queen of Spain, he said, undertake a new war with France, they ought to consider well what kind of persons the Princes are who ask their assistance. There are in the whole of Christendom no Princes, except him and them, who are faithful and true to their promises. He, at any rate, does not trust in any one except in them, and would be very sorry to see them complicated in a new war with France without previously concerting it with him. King Henry greatly praised their wisdom and Catholic sentiments as regarded all things, but especially in their last treaties with France. He hopes they will live on better terms with the new King of France.
	Princess Katharine. Thanks them for having approved of the marriage between the Princess Katharine and the Prince of Wales. The marriage ceremony has been performed with great solemnity. Many of the intrigues which have hitherto been carried on about this matter will now cease. The effect of the marriage has been the greater, because the marriage ceremony has been performed in England. Only a few days ago Henry said that he is generally envied on account of this marriage. These are his own words : "He swore by his royal faith that he and the Queen are more satisfied with this marriage than they would have been with any great dominions they might have gained with the daughter of another Prince, even if they were twice or three times as great as the whole property of the Duke of Bourbon." Begs that the Princess of Wales may be soon sent to England.
	Scotland. Don Pedro de Ayala. The peace with Scotland is not yet broken ; it even seems to improve. "The King of Scots has seen the ears of the wolf, and is now endeavouring to make a bed of roses for the King of England." Two or three months ago the English killed a great number of Scots, but King James would not permit the Scots to kill an equal number of English. He only wrote a letter to Henry, full of compliments and courtesy, as though he had been a son writing to his father. The King of England, in consequence of it, sent the Bishop of Durham to make reparations. It would be more becoming if Don Pedro de Ayala were there (in Scotland). The King of England thinks that the King of Scots has been persuaded by the said Don Pedro to change his behaviour. But what is the fact? Don Pedro is living in London, styles himself ambassador to England, and openly pretends he has the best credentials to King Henry. The King and the Cardinal have spoken to Londoño and the Sub-Prior of Santa Cruz in such a way about Don Pedro that it would seem as though there were no person more trustworthy in the world than he ; but they have done so only from courtesy. It is most desirable that a good Latin scholar and a man of honesty should be sent to Scotland. He could soon marry the King of Scots with whomsoever the King and Queen of Spain might like. It is easier to marry a man like the King of Scots than to guide him. It is true that the new King of France has quite neglected Scotland. He has neither sent an embassy, nor a king-at-arms, nor even a letter. But, for all that, the affairs of Scotland must always come next in their estimation. It would be a great advantage if the King of Scots were married by them, and put off with hopes until the daughter of the King of England had arrived at a marriageable age. King Henry, it must be confessed, now declares that he would never consent to such a marriage on any account whatever. But time often changes the minds of men. Begs them to consult Don Pedro de Ayala.
	Salary. Kisses their hands for the favours promised him. If they and their council knew with what industry, with what sacrifice of private interests, and with what honesty he has served, they would double the amount of their favours. Is very different from "another of their ambassadors in this part of the world." (fn. 8) Begs them to give him enough to have always something to eat. Does not wish to save money. Is ready to serve in England, or in the Privy Council of Spain. Wishes to return to Spain, and to explain all he has done in England. His health suffers much, and there is no recovery to be hoped for as long as he remains in England. The King of England calls them brother now, because of his being related to them. If they like, he will continue to do so ; if not, he will be content with any other manner of addressing them.
	Queen of England. Has given their letter, and the letter of the Princess of Wales, to the Queen of England, and explained them. She was overjoyed. "The Queen is the most distinguished and the most noble lady in the whole of England." She sent for the Latin Secretary, and ordered him to write, in her presence, two letters, one of them to the Queen of Spain, and the other to the Princess of Wales. The Latin Secretary told him afterwards that he was obliged to write the said letters three or four times, because the Queen had always found some defects in them. "They are not things of great importance in themselves, but they show great and cordial love." The letters are enclosed. Hopes the Prince of Wales will also write, though he is on a progress in his principality.
	The courier has not yet arrived. The courier, Pedro de Avila, has not yet arrived. Despatches ought not to be sent by Bilbao ; the voyage is too long and too bad. Fuenterabia and San Sebastian are the best ports from which letters can be sent to England. The agents are very careless sometimes. The Bishop of Cambray has had news that the child with which the Archduchess was pregnant is living. The Archduke has made peace with France. Ferdinand and Isabella are often mentioned in that peace.
	King of the Romans. Margaret of Austria. Infanta Maria. Has seen letters from Flanders, in which it is stated that the Count of Nassau has gone from France to the King of the Romans, in order to conclude a peace between that Prince and the King of France. It is said that the King of France is to marry the Princess Margaret (of Austria). It seems to him to be a difficult thing for the King of France to marry, since he has a wife living. If it were possible, however, it would be more advantageous to Spain for the Infanta Doña Maria to become Queen of France. But whatever may be the case, nothing will be done without their consent. The English would prefer a marriage of the King of France with the Infanta Maria rather than a marriage with the Princess Margaret, although she is also their daughter. (fn. 9)
	Pope. Yesterday news arrived that the Pope has concluded a truce with France, which is to last till the end of the year 1500.
	The embassy has returned from France. The English ambassadors have returned from France. Could not learn what they have brought, because the King was on a progress in the country. The ambassadors have gone to the King. Has been informed from a trustworthy source that Spain and France have concluded peace, and that the King of France is to marry the Infanta Maria. Her picture has already been presented to the King of France. The ambassadors of the Pope are remaining in France, and have offered a dispensation for the marriage of the King of France and the Infanta Maria.
	Salary Begs that his salary may be paid him. At the beginning of the year 1497 they promised him a salary of 100,000 maravedies (fn. 10) for life. He has not yet received a penny of this allowance.—London, 25th August 1498. Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Princes, the King and Queen of Spain, our Lords." Indorsed by Almazan : "To their Highnesses, from Doctor De Puebla, 25th August, '98". The greater portion of the original letter is in cipher deciphered by Almazan. pp. 27.
25 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	News from the court of the King of the Romans. 222. Fuensalida (fn. 11) to Ferdinand and Isabella. Has written about all that has happened (at the court of the King of the Romans) up to the 20th of August. Has already informed them, in his last letter, that a knight, called Tentevilla, has come to the King of the Romans accompanied by another servant of the King of France. The King of the Romans told them that he did not like to conclude a separate peace, and has proposed a truce of one month, during which time his ambassadors should hold a "diet" with the ambassadors of the King of France, and conclude a general peace. Persuaded that his proposal was accepted, he disbanded his army. The French, as soon as they knew it, entered Burgundy and took the fortified town of Vergi, where they killed the whole garrison. The King of the Romans swears that he will go in person to Burgundy and fight the French, who are said to amount to 20,000 men. A French king-at-arms has arrived with letters, not for the King of the Romans, but for the Princes of the Empire.
	The Archduke. The Archduke has concluded peace with the King of France, and sworn the treaty in the cathedral church of Brussels. The conditions are that the King of France shall restore to him three towns in Artois ; he, on the other hand, abandoning all his claims on Burgundy, and swearing fealty to the King of France.
	King of Poland. An ambassador from Poland has arrived. The King of Poland asks succour from the King of the Romans and from the Empire. He also wishes to marry Madame Margaret. The Polish ambassador has, however, been told by some people that Madame Margaret is to marry the Duke of Saxony. Though astonished to hear that the daughter of so great a Prince as the King of the Romans will be contented with only a Duke, he does not wish to interfere with the marriage if it be really intended. If, however, the rumour be without foundation, he would be glad if they would employ their good offices in favour of the King of Poland.
	King of the Romans. The King of the Romans is much dissatisfied with the treaty between the Archduke and the King of France. He feigned ignorance of it for a long time, and asked him some days ago what the news were. Answered that His Majesty must know best. "But tell me what you know," replied the King of the Romans, "and I will afterwards communicate my news." Said that, according to common report, the Archduke has sworn a treaty of peace with France. The King of the Romans pretended to be surprised, and said, "I do not believe it, because I wrote to him not to do it." Observed that he had been very positively informed that the Archduke had sworn the treaty on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. (fn. 12) "It may be," replied the King, "that my letters did not arrive in time ; but my tidings are that peace with your King and Queen, and war with me, have been proclaimed in France. Their reason is clear. They want to force me to combine with them in their war against Italy." Assured the King of the Romans that he knew nothing about it, and added that ambassadors from them were, in fact, in France at the time when the peace between the King of France and the Archduke was concerted, as it was said, with his consent. Under such circumstances it may have happened that they have consented to some kind of peace. The ambassadors of the King of the Romans are making preparations for going to Spain, and for conducting the Princess Margaret back to her father. All is ready except the money. They hope to receive it within a week.—Friburgh, 25th August '98.
	Projected interview between Ferdinand and Maximilian. P.S.—When the King of the Romans was in Italy he wished to return by Aigues Mortes in order to see them. Knows positively that this was the case, because he had had a "fancy" to speak to them about the succession in Portugal, and to go to that kingdom if he had got their permission. Addressed : "To the Catholic and very powerful Lords, the King and Queen of Spain." Indorsed : "From Gutier Gomez de Fuensalida, knight commander of Haro." Spanish. Holograph. pp. 7.
25 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	223. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella. Commends his pupil and secretary, Johan de Tomayo, and begs that he may be employed in the service of the Princess of Wales. Tomayo has written all his ciphered letters during his embassy in England, and is thoroughly initiated in the affairs of England, Scotland, and Flanders. There are not many such well informed men to be found.—London, 25th August '98. No address or indorsement. Spanish. pp. 1½.
27 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	224. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella. Sends the treaty of CLXXXV (friendship) and CCCCXX (letters) of DCCCLXXXVIII (the King of England) and DCCCLXXXIX (the Queen of England), and likewise of DCCCXC (the Prince of Wales). (fn. 13) Sent a very long letter a few days ago. Begs an immediate answer.—London, 27th August '98. P.S.—Received the letter which is enclosed just when he had finished his letter to them. Wishes that the peace now concluded between them and the King of France may prove advantageous to them. Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Princes, the King and Queen of Spain." Spanish. p. 1.
26 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	225. Valdaura to De Puebla. (fn. 14) The Spanish ambassadors, sent to the King of France, have concluded peace. As soon as the peace had been publicly proclaimed, they returned to Spain. Has ordered Tonot Alband, his courier, who is the bearer of this letter, to bring him a horse from England. Begs him to procure a passport for the horse. Nicolas Beltram has written the news from Brussels.— Bruges, 26th August. Addressed : "To the very magnificent Doctor De Puebla, ambassador from Spain to England, in London." Spanish. Holograph, p. ½.