Spain: August 1508 | British History Online

Pages 461-465

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

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August 1508



7 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 110.	Proposed settlement by Henry VII. of the marriage portion of the Princess Katharine. Opinion of King Ferdinand respecting Henry VII. 588. King Ferdinand Of Spain to the Knight Commander Of Membrilla. Has become acquainted, through his letters of the 17th June and the 5th July, with all that has passed between him and Henry VII. and his Council respecting the marriage of the Princess of Wales. Has also seen the letter in which Henry says he is resolved that the whole of the 100,000 scudos shall be paid in money, without taking as part payment any jewels, gold, or plate. Has likewise noted that Henry wishes him and the Queen of Castile, his daughter, to confirm the marriage between the Prince of Castile (fn. 1) and the Lady Mary. Has, moreover, observed that Henry desires it should be arranged that the 200,000 scudos of the marriage portion of the Princess of Wales should be settled upon him (Henry) and his heirs, and that neither he (Ferdinand) nor the Princess of Wales, nor their heirs, should at any time ask for the restitution of the dower. Has also noted how badly the Princess of Wales is treated, and what Membrilla has said to King Henry respecting the Queen of Castile giving up her kingdoms. In all these matters Henry has shown extreme covetousness, and but little love for him, the Queen of Castile, and the Princess of Wales. Would have felt much inclined to have no longer any brotherhood or amity with him, only that he trusts the Prince of Wales will show himself to be more amenable to reason. Does not know why Henry should exhibit so much ill-will towards him. Fears, from what Membrilla says, that the marriage of the Prince of Castile to the daughter of Henry, instead of augmenting their friendship, would produce quite contrary results. Every thing seems to prove that it would be better for him to break entirely with Henry. Would do so at once, but for the affection he bears the Princess of Wales. For the sake of bringing her marriage to a conclusion, will not take umbrage at the ill-will shown to him by Henry. Membrilla must, therefore, use his best endeavours speedily to bring the marriage to a conclusion, and must take heed to say nothing which may afford an excuse for breaking it off. If, nevertheless, the marriage should not take place, will then feel that he is not responsible for anything that may happen in consequence.
	The whole of the marriage portion to be paid in coin. Rate of exchange ; time and manner of payment. Fear felt by Ferdinand of being cheated by Henry. Membrilla must say to King Henry that although he is doing a very unjust thing in not keeping the promise he made to take the jewels and gold in part payment, yet that he [King Ferdinand] will now consent to pay the whole of the 100,000 scudos in coin. For this purpose has sent a letter to Francisco Grimaldi, requesting him to pay, as he had made an offer to do, the balance which remained over and above the money that had been already sent. But Membrilla must not inform Henry of this matter until he has communicated with Grimaldi ; otherwise the rate of exchange might be made to rise. He must, moreover, in speaking to the said Grimaldi, take heed of two things ; first, that the interest of the exchange should be the lowest that it is possible to obtain ; the other, that the time assigned for the payment should be postponed to as late a date as practicable, and should at least be two months. He must also inform Grimaldi it is possible that even after Henry has been told that the 100,000 scudos will be paid in coin, the marriage may be broken off ; in that case the money will not be wanted Should the Princess of Wales have to return to Spain, the money which has already been sent to England must be returned to Spain. He must, moreover, take heed, even if Henry says the marriage shall take place on the payment of the money, to have it given in such a way that, if the marriage should eventually fall through, Henry may not be able to carry the money off. "All this I say, because, in treating with people of no honour, and indifferent character, it is necessary to take care that we receive no injury, and that we are not cheated."
	Injustice of the demands of Henry. Dangerous position of the Princess Katharine. As to what Henry says, about settling on him and his heirs the whole of the 200,000 scudos of the marriage portion, it is a most unjust and unheard-of demand, and against all right and charity. It is no sign of love in him to wish to despoil the Princess of Wales of that which is her own. As for himself, only wishes he could give her more. But the marriage portion is hers, to do what she likes with. She may, therefore, settle it upon Henry if she please. Would be ready in that case to confirm such a settlement. In his opinion, however, she will not so act, seeing that it is not only an unjust thing, but would be the means of exposing her life to danger ; for they would perhaps poison her to get possession of her marriage portion. The bad treatment to which she is subjected, the unkindness shown to her, and the covetousness of Henry, all give cause for suspecting this. But, finally, remits everything to the Princess.
	Marriage of the Prince of Castile. With regard to Henry's wishes respecting the marriage of the Prince of Castile to the Lady Mary, is astonished that so shrewd a King should have asked him to confirm what had been settled in England, before the original, or even a copy of the articles, had been sent him. Not only Kings, but even the meanest persons, are never asked to sign a thing they know nothing about. Moreover, he and the Queen of Castile are the parties chiefly interested ; and it behoves them to see that whatever may be agreed upon shall be such as is fitting for the Prince of Castile, and the kingdoms over which he will one day reign. As to signing a thing which he has never seen, will not do it, no, not for the whole world. Notwithstanding, if the marriage of the Princess of Wales takes place immediately, he will, in that case, think about the marriage of the Prince of Castile. All this, Membrilla must communicate very confidentially to the Princess of Wales ; and after having conferred with her and Grimaldi, he must speak to Henry quietly, and without showing any sign of dissatisfaction. He must say to him that although it would perhaps be but just that he should receive the jewels, gold, and plate in part payment of the marriage portion, as had been agreed upon, yet that the whole of the 100,000 scudos shall be paid in coin immediately on the marriage taking place.
	Conditions respecting the marriage portion. As respects the demand made by Henry that the 200,000 scudos shall never be required back, he must say whatever the Princess of Wales may direct. It may, however, at any rate be stipulated, that if the said matrimony be dissolved by the death of either party, and issue be left, in that case the restitution of the marriage portion will not be demanded. It may, moreover, be stated that if the matrimony be dissolved by the death of either, after the marriage has been consummated, and the parties married [blank] years, the restitution of the marriage portion will not be asked for. But it must be seen to, that the term of years fixed upon be the longest possible, in order that there might be time for the bearing of children, and for giving Henry leisure to get rid of his fancies and ill-will, and to be freed from the temptation of killing the Princess of Wales.
	Conduct to be observed by Membrilla if the marriage is not concluded. As respects the marriage of the Prince of Castile to the Lady Mary, if the marriage of the Princess of Wales take place immediately, the project will be favorably entertained. If, however, Henry require him and the Queen of Castile to confirm the articles agreed upon in England, Membrilla shall give a gentle answer, excusing them for not doing so. But if, in spite of all he can say to explain Ferdinand's conduct, and to bring about the marriage of the Princess of Wales, Henry should not be desirous to conclude the marriage, in that case he must pray and require him to consign the Princess of Wales into his hands ; because, for her to remain in England in such circumstances would be to bring her to shame, and to risk her life. Besides, on Henry not desiring to have her for a daughter, he and the Queen of Castile would wish her to be near them, and to be treated as she ought to be treated. He must, in that case, freight ships, and embark the Princess of Wales and her household, and bring her back to Spain, together with the money sent for the marriage portion. Nor will it be necessary to wait for a fleet, since, thank God, they have no enemies at sea. But he must make no menaces until the Princess of Wales be safely out of England. If, on the other hand, the marriage should take place, he must say all that is fitting for the preservation of peace and friendship with King Henry. With his letter sends a document, signed and sealed by him, by which he makes a donation to the Princess of Wales of all the jewels, gold, and plate which he and Queen Isabella had sent with her to England, and in virtue of which she may enjoy and dispose of them as she likes. If King Henry should say anything respecting his own marriage with the Queen of Castile, Membrilla must answer that he knows nothing about it.
	Abdication by Queen Juana of her kingdom. Displeasure felt by Ferdinand. If Henry should speak to him respecting the Queen of Castile giving up her kingdoms, he must say they are hers to enjoy during her life, and that he and his daughter would defend them with all the forces at their disposal against whoever should dispute their rights. Is astonished that Henry should think of such a thing as setting the Prince of Castile against his mother ; he would do himself more harm by such a course than he would do them. Membrilla must finally be very diligent in finding out the details of everything which is done in England, and respecting the ambassadors of Flanders. It is said in Spain that they are making attempts in Flanders to prevent the marriage of the Princess of Wales, but cannot believe it. Indorsed : "Valladolid, 7th August 1508." Spanish. Draft. pp. 12.
7 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 109.	589. King Ferdinand Of Spain to Henry VII. Has to inform him that Gutierre Gomez de Fuensalida, Commander of Membrilla, has written to him respecting certain matters respecting him (Henry), and to which he will send a reply through Membrilla.—No date. Spanish. Draft. p. 1.
7 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 109.	590. King Ferdinand Of Spain to Francisco Grimaldi. Has learnt by the letters of the Commander of Membrilla with how much affection he has offered to provide the money required in order to make up the sum of 100,000 scudos, which has to be paid as the marriage portion of the Princess of Wales. Accepts his offer, and thanks him for it. Has written to his ambassador to say that Grimaldi will provide the money, and promises to send instructions for repaying him the sum advanced, at such time and in such manner as he may settle with the ambassador. Spanish. Draft. p. 1.
Aug. ? S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 116.	591. King Ferdinand to Francisco De Grimaldi. Has seen his letter by which he offers to pay 25,000 ducats, and more, if necessary, in payment of the marriage portion of the Princess of Wales. Thanks him. Has written to his ambassador respecting the manner in which the money is to be paid.—Valladolid. (fn. 2) No date. Spanish. Draft. p. 1.