Spain: April 1507 | British History Online

Pages 406-414

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

Citation:

April 1507



4 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 38.	505. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to De Puebla. Requests him to come on Easter Monday to Richmond. —Richmond, Easter Sunday. (fn. 1) Spanish. Holograph. 3 lines.
7 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 6.	506. Alonso De Esquivel to King Ferdinand Of Spain. Is in great difficulties. Wants money. The health of the Princess of Wales is better now than it has been. She bears her adversity with fortitude. She is in great want of assistance. —Richmond, 7th of April 1507. Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Prince, the King of Spain and Naples." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 2.
12 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 70.	507. Henry VII. to King Ferdinand Of Spain. Has received his letters of the 15th of March. Thanks him for his love, and assures him of his affection. Begs him to write very often about all his affairs.—Richmond, 12th of April 1507. Addressed : "To the most serene and excellent Prince Ferdinand, by the grace of God, King of Arragon, &c." Latin. pp. 2.
12 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 72.	Postponement of the marriage portion conceded. 508. Henry VII. to King Ferdinand Of Spain. De Puebla has asked him, over and over again, to consent to the postponement of the payment of the marriage portion. Many other Princesses have been offered in marriage to the Prince of Wales, with much greater marriage portions, and even with a dower twice as great as that of the Princess Katharine. Has, however, not accepted them, because he loves and esteems him so much, and is even willing that the payment should be postponed till the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. The Princess of Wales and De Puebla have made him communications in his name, respecting the new tie of relationship by which they are to be connected. Has heard it all with the greatest joy. Recognizes, in them, his great love. The Princess of Wales and De Puebla will write his answer. —Richmond, 12th of April 1507. Addressed : "To the most serene and excellent Prince Ferdinand, by the grace of God, King of Arragon, &c." Latin. pp. 2.
12 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 71.	509. Henry VII. to King Ferdinand Of Spain. The Princess of Wales has made some communications to him in his (Ferdinand's) name. Liked to hear this from her better than from any other person.
12 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 71.	Princesses offered in marriage to the Prince of Wales. Is astonished that a new postponement of the payment of the marriage portion is asked. The reasons alleged for this postponement are, certainly, not without weight ; but, on the other hand, punctual payment is so sacred a duty, and the sum of money is so moderate for such a great King as the King of Spain, that he had not expected to be again requested to consent to a new postponement of the payment. Other Princesses have been offered in marriage to the Prince of Wales, with much greater marriage portions. Consents, nevertheless, to a postponement till the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. Has learnt, moreover, from the Princess of Wales and from De Puebla, that he intends to strengthen the friendship which already exists between the Kings of Spain and England by new ties of relationship. Has heard these communications with rapturous joy. The Princess of Wales and De Puebla will write more on this subject.—Richmond, 12th of April 1507. Addressed : "To the most serene and most excellent King Ferdinand, &c." Latin. pp. 4.
13 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 73.	510. Henry VII. to Miguel Perez Almazan. Has received his letter of the 15th of March. Thank him for his invariable friendship. Begs him to write often. Regards him as one of his best friends, and would be glad to render him any service.—Richmond, 13th April 1507. Addressed : "To the noble and excellent M. P. Almazan, Secretary of the King of Aragon, and our friend." Latin. pp. 2.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 31.	511. De Puebla to King Ferdinand Of Spain. Has received on the 30th of March, from the Princess of Wales, his despatch in cipher of the 15th of March.
	Severe illness of Henry. Went on Wednesday of Holy Week to the King of England, who was at Richmond. Found him still confined to his room. The King has had a very severe illness. The quinsy had prevented him for six days from eating and drinking. His life was despaired of. Though the King was now better, he still saw very few persons. As soon, however, as the King heard that he wished to see him, orders were given to introduce him into the royal chamber. Remained rather more than two hours with Henry, and showed and explained to him the despatch which had just been deciphered.
	His joy at the news received from Spain. The King rejoiced much at the news contained in the despatch ; but as, during Holy Week, no business could be transacted, he asked him to return on Easter Monday. Went on that day to Richmond, and remained there eight days, daily conferring with the King in private. Only on rare occasions a few members of the Privy Council were admitted to their conferences.
	Postponement of the payment of the marriage portion. Henry was at first very little inclined to consent to the postponement of the payment of the marriage portion ; but after long and very unpleasant conversations, he was at last persuaded to do so, and wrote the enclosed letter. (fn. 2) Did not content himself with this letter, but asked King Henry to write another letter to the Princess of Wales, and to repeat in it all the essential parts of his statements. He promised to do so. All the statements made by the King of England with respect to the marriage of the Prince of Wales are strictly true. If that be doubted, the King of France may be asked. It has been impossible to induce the King of England to postpone the day of payment to a later date than the Feast of the Archangel Michael, that is to say, for five months and a half.
	Henry has the reputation of being very rich. The plate of gold and silver will be accepted by King Henry at the price at which it is valued in the account, but the jewels and ornaments only for much less. The reason thereof is the following. Henry VII. has the reputation of possessing immense riches. Both the Kings of Naples, Alfonse and his son Ferdinand, and besides them some other Princes, have therefore sent their jewels to the King of England, who has bought them very cheaply. (fn. 3) Henry, in such circumstances, will not accept any jewels, except at such a price as he could get for them if he sold them in London. He is fully justified in doing so by the treaty which Ferdnand, Duke de Estrada, has concluded. Begs King Ferdinand not to value too highly the jewels which are to be given in payment of the marriage portion of the Princess. If he were to do so, Henry would resent it very much. But it could perhaps be arranged that he should reserve to himself the right to take the jewels back within the first year if he paid the money for which they had been accepted. Begs the King of England and the Princess of Wales may not be told that this proposal comes from him.
	Marriage of the Queen of Castile. Indifference of the English to her insanity. As to the marriage of the Queen of Castile, the King of England and the few counsellors who are initiated in the matter approve fully of his discreet manner of proceeding. There is no King in the world who would make so good a husband to the Queen of Castile as the King of England, whether she be sane or insane. Thinks she would soon recover her reason when wedded to such a husband as Henry. King Ferdinand would at all events be sure to retain the regency of Castile. If the insanity of the Queen should prove incurable, it would perhaps not be inconvenient that she should live in England. The English seem little to mind her insanity, especially since he has assured them that her derangement of mind would not prevent her from bearing children. (fn. 4) The answer of the King of England in this matter is the following :—King Ferdinand intends soon to return to Castile, and wishes to speak with Queen Juana about this marriage. If he write from Castile that the King of England must send an ambassador, the ambassador would be sent without an hour's delay, with sufficient power, not only to conclude the marriage treaty with King Ferdinand, but also to contract the marriage in his name with Queen Juana, per verba de prœsenti. King Henry says that this arrangement is preferable to any other, because it does not expose him to the danger of his ambassador not being heard by the Queen, or, if heard, of meeting with a refusal.
	Conditions for the marriage. As the conditions of the marriage are to be arranged with the ambassador to be sent to Spain, he has not thought it proper to speak much about them. Has heard only what the English have proposed. If the Queen could be persuaded to come and live in England, the regency of Castile would remain entirely in the hands of King Ferdinand. Out of the revenues of the crown of Castile would be paid, first, the expenses of the government, next the expenses of King Ferdinand, and from the rest a fixed yearly sum to the King of England and the Queen Juana. In case the Queen could not be persuaded to come to England, King Henry would go and stay at first some time in Spain. If these proposals of the King of England were accepted, all the other conditions could be easily settled. The letters which the last courier from Naples has brought to England have produced a very favourable impression. They have induced the King to consent to the postponement of the payment of the marriage portion. Besides, the King had already given orders that ambassadors should go to France ; but as soon as he had read the letters, he ordered them to remain in England, and to wait till it were known what King Ferdinand had done in this matter. Has been very ill, and spent an enormous sum of money. His eldest son has been drowned on his voyage to England. Has already sold all his property in Spain. His salary is only half as great as that of other Spanish ambassadors, whilst his expenses are greater. Begs that money may be sent him. —London, 15th April 1507. The original in cipher is addressed : "To the very high and powerful Prince, King Ferdinand, &c." In cipher. Deciphered by Almazan. Spanish. pp. 9.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 32.	512. De Puebla to King Ferdinand Of Spain. Has written other letters of the same date, which will leave with Peroto, courier of the Princess of Wales. This small abstract is to be sent through merchants of Lucca. The payment of the marriage portion is postponed till the Feast of the Archangel St. Michael. With respect to CCCCXXIII (the marriage) of DCCCL XXVIII (the Queen of Castile) CCCCLXXXVIII (with) DCCCLXXXVII (the King of England), King Henry wishes to be informed when King Ferdinand will have returned to Castile in order to DCCCCLXXXIII(send)DCCCCLXXVIIII (an embassy).—London, 15th April 1507. MMCCCXXXI. (De Puebla.) Addressed : "To the very noble Miguel Perez Almazan, Secretary of State, &c." The few ciphers contained in this letter are left undeciphered in the original despatch. The deciphering is by the editor. The letter, though addressed to Almazan, is directed to King Ferdinand. Spanish. pp. 2.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 50.	Treatment of the Princess of Wales. 513. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to King Ferdinand Of Spain. Has received his letters sent by the courier, who takes this letter back to him. The letters have been the more agreeable to her, as the news contained in them were of so recent date, and have contributed much to appease the fury of the King of England, which was great, before he consented to the postponement of the payment of the marriage portion. Hopes to God that no further postponement will be demanded. It would be a service rendered to her if the money were to be paid before the time agreed upon. It would atone for the present default. Begs him to do so, if possible ; for the contempt shown to her when the money of her portion did not arrive was great. Does not wish again to undergo such a humiliation. Though submissive, cannot forget that she is the daughter of the King of Spain.
	What kind of ambassador ought to be sent to England. Wishes that the ambassador who is to come to England should be a man who will dare to speak an honest word at the right time. Has, therefore, asked him to send Don Pedro [de Ayala]. Don Pedro is clever, and knows England perfectly well. Whoever knows how to treat the English meets with only half as many difficulties as others who do not know. Either Don Pedro or the Knight Commander of Membrilla, (fn. 5) but not the Duke de Estrada, would be agreeable to her as Spanish ambassador in England. Whoever is sent, ought to be a person of great experience and knowledge. It cannot be doubted that nothing contributes more towards the prosperity or adverse fortune of kingdoms than the sufficiency or incompetence of ambassadors. If that be true with respect to other countries, it is so in a higher degree with respect to England, which is so isolated from the rest of the world that negotiations with the English require particular circumspection. Has been told that the new ambassador will be perfectly instructed about all matters on which he has to treat. Hopes it will be so.
	Destitution to which the Princess Katharine is reduced. Has written in all her former letters, and repeats in this, that her destitution has been and still is so great, and of so long duration, that she has been and still is obliged to sell her plate. Her officers and servants walk about in rags (pedazos) and live in misery. As to her own person, must keep up certain appearances. Is, therefore, obliged to sell her gold and silver, as there are no other resources left to her. Tells him the whole truth, in order that he may know her plate is no longer complete, and will not be accepted as such in the payment of her marriage portion. Begs him to send other plate or money instead of the plate that has been sold. Beseeches him likewise to send her some money for her expenses.
	Conduct of her servants. If it be true that the services which she receives are services rendered to him, he ought to heap favours on all her servants and officers. They have lived, ever since they have been in England, in privation and misery ; but they have not complained to her, and have attended on her as willingly and as respectfully as though they had been always punctually paid, and had received every day new favours from her. Hopes they will not be forgotten. Is so glad to think he will soon return to Castile, that she forgets the fatigues of his journey. Wishes he would take upon himself the sole government of Castile without sharing it with Queen Juana. That would be an advantage to Spain and to herself, as he would be more able to succour her.
	Her confessor. Is already provided with a very competent confessor. Has written to the General of the Franciscan Observant Friars, and told him that some well instructed Spanish friars are much wanted in England. Begs they may be sent. Has told the King of England his answer with respect to the Queen of Castile. Would like to be able to write in cipher. Has succeeded in deciphering his letters, but does not dare to make use of cipher in her writing, and much less to confide the ciphering of her letter to any other person. Writes, therefore, in plain Castilian. The King of England values his good intentions very highly, but does not like to send an embassy before he is certain of success ; for, he says, it would reflect dishonour on his character if his offer were to be rejected. Does not think so. But, however that may be, the King of England is prepared to send an embassy as soon as he shall be desired by him to do so. The ambassador of King Henry, if he go, will take a treaty ready for signature, all the clauses of which are to be to his perfect satisfaction.
	Henry's desire that a speedy decision should be taken respecting his marriage with Queen Juana. King Henry urges very much that a definite conclusion should be soon taken in this matter. The Duchess of Savoy (fn. 6), he says, has already arrived in Flanders, and is waiting for him there. If his marriage with Queen Juana could be settled, he would give up the Duchess of Savoy ; but if not, he would be very sorry to lose so good a match as that with the Duchess certainly is. Will keep this matter very secret.
	Conduct pursued by the Princess Katharine. Cruelty of not allowing her to see the Prince of Wales. Thanks him for his advice to conduct herself as though there were no possibility "to undo what has been done." Has always conducted herself in such a manner, and behaved with great watchfulness. Asked Doctor De Puebla, only a few days ago, to tell the King that she resented her treatment very much, though she concealed her feelings. The thing of which she most complained was the cruelty of permitting her so seldom to see the Prince of Wales, although he lived in the same house with her. Had not seen him for the last four months. De Puebla has told her that he had spoken with the King on the subject, who answered that he acted so from consideration for herself, hoping to induce the King her father by that means sooner to send her marriage portion. Has suffered martyrdom, and is ready to suffer more if he orders it ; but begs him to release her from her humiliating position as soon as possible. Had told De Puebla to write the truth on this subject, and not to "sugar it over," as he generally does. —Richmond, 15th April. Addressed : "To the very high and powerful Lord the King my master." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 7.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 51.	Opinion of Henry respecting the marriage treaty. 514. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to King Ferdinand Of Spain. The King of England has told her very positively that he no longer regards himself and the Prince of Wales as bound by the marriage treaty, because the marriage portion has not been paid. Asked De Puebla whether the King of England was entitled by law to renounce her marriage with the Prince of Wales. De Puebla said he was. Begged her confessor to tell her his opinion on this matter. The confessor said that if a marriage treaty were concluded conditionally, and the conditions not fulfilled by one party, the other party should renounce the whole treaty. Has written on this subject already in cipher, but is afraid that her ciphered letter might, perhaps, not be understood. Writes, therefore, again, and begs him not to forget that the whole marriage will come to nothing if the marriage portion be not punctually paid on the day fixed.—Richmond, 15th April 1507. Addressed : "To the very high and powerful Prince, the King, my Lord." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 1½.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 47.	Inability of the Princess Katharine to pay her courier. 515. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to King Ferdinand Of Spain. The courier Perote arrived in London on Palm Sunday, 28th of March. Has detained him so long, because it has been impossible to despatch him sooner. He will leave Richmond on the evening of the 15th of April. Has paid him for his journey only fifteen nobles, because there was no more money to be had. Has recommended him to travel as quick on his return as he has travelled on his journey to England. He has been unable to promise it, because the sum of money given to him has been insufficient. Begs that the rest of his expenses and wages may be paid him.—Richmond, 15th April 1507. Spanish. Holograph. p. 1.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 49.	516. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to Almazan. Thanks him for his letter. Receives few letters from the King her father which give her so much satisfaction as his. Has deciphered the last despatches without any assistance. Wishes she were able to write in cipher. Contending with a thousand necessities at once, has not been able to pay the courier all his expenses. Begs him to do it when the courier shall have arrived. The servant of the King of England, who has been sent to the King her father, may be trusted.—Richmond, 15th April. Indorsed in the hand of Almazan : "To me, from the Princess of Wales, 15th April 1507." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 1½.
15 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 9.	Health of the Princess of Wales. 517. Johannes, Licentiate and Physician Of the Princess Of Wales, to King Ferdinand Of Spain. The health of the Princess of Wales has much improved. On former occasions the improvements have been more in appearance than in reality. But this time she may be declared to have entirely recovered from the long malady from which she has suffered ever since her arrival in England. She has regained her natural healthy colour. The only pains from which she now suffers are moral afflictions beyond the reach of the physician. Her only hope is in his royal and paternal solicitude. Does not speak of his own personal suffering. Waits, as all the other servants of the Princess do, patiently for his relief. —Richmond, 15th April 1507. Addressed : "To the very high and powerful Prince the King of Spain, &c. our Lord." Spanish. Holograph. pp. 2.