Spain: November 1504

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

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'Spain: November 1504', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509, (London, 1862) pp. 337-342. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol1/pp337-342 [accessed 26 April 2024]

November 1504

16 Nov.
P. R. O.
Export of Spanish goods.
405. Ferdinand and Isabella.
Have prohibited, by letters patent, the export of goods from Spanish ports in foreign vessels, as long as there are any Spanish ships unemployed in the same port in which the said goods can be shipped.
But now that the Princess Katharine has married Henry, Prince of Wales, per verba de prœsenti, and consequently will be Queen of England after the death of Henry VII., it is just and reasonable to treat English subjects in Spain on the same footing as Spanish subjects. They are, therefore, permitted to export in Spanish, or English vessels, all kinds of merchandize to England which they were in the habit of exporting before the above-mentioned letters patent had been issued, except, however, such goods as even Spanish subjects are not permitted to export.
This order is to be published in all cities, towns, and seaports. —Medina del Campo, 16th November 1504.
Latin. Copy. pp. 5½.
23 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 23.
Princess of Wales at Westminster.
406. De Puebla to Ferdinand and Isabella.
The Princess of Wales enjoys perfect health.
She is staying for twenty days at Westminster with the King. She is treated and attended in the same manner as in her own house. The King has ordered the Princess Mary to be attended in the same way as the Princess of Wales.
Every day good news comes from the Archduke and the Archduchess.
Had prepared a bundle of letters to be sent by a vessel laden with wheat. The vessel had intended to sail from London in ten days, and Henry VII. promised to give a definite answer, within that time, regarding his stricter alliance and his marriage. But has since been informed that the vessel is to sail immediately. Cannot, therefore, send the long letter which he intended to write.—London, 23rd of November 1504.
Addressed : "To their Highnesses."
Spanish. pp. 1½.
24 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 91.
407. King Ferdinand to Henry VII.
Has received his letters, and heard what Ferdinand, Duke de Estrada has communicated to him, by word of mouth, concerning the conclusion of the marriage by which the houses of Spain and England are to be more intimately united. Rejoices very much to hear that he, the Prince and the Princess of Wales, enjoy such perfect health.
More intimate alliance with Spain.
Is exceedingly pleased to find that he wishes to conclude a more intimate alliance with Spain, and to add new family ties to those which already exist between them. Is of opinion that both the new alliance and the new marriage cannot be too soon concluded. Has sent very detailed instructions to De Puebla, who will speak to him on these affairs.
Sends the dispensation of the Pope respecting the marriage of the Princess Katharine with Henry, Prince of Wales.
Export of Spanish goods.
Has received his letters concerning the right of English vessels to freight in, and to export goods from, Spanish ports. Sends him, in answer to his demand, letters patent by which all English vessels are entitled to the same rights and privileges in Spanish ports as the vessels of Spain herself. Hopes he will grant similar privileges to Spanish vessels in England. —Medina del Campo, 24th November 1504.
Indorsed : "Copy of the letter which the King, our Lord, has written to the King of England."
Latin. Copy. pp. 4.
24 Nov.
P. R. O.
408. King Ferdinand Of Spain to Henry VII.
The same letter, signed by Ferdinand.—Medina del Campo, 24th November 1504.
Addressed : "To the serene Prince Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, &c. &c."
Indorsed by Sir Thomas Wriothesley : "Ferdinandus King of Castile, to the King's Majesty."
Latin. pp. 2.
Printed in Gairdner's Letters and Papers, vol. I. p. 241.
26 Nov.
B. M. MS Ves. C. XII. f. 233.
Death of Queen Isabella.
409. King Ferdinand Of Spain to Henry VII.
Informs him that that selfsame day it had pleased God to take to Himself Queen Isabella. Her death is the greatest affliction that could have befallen him. Does not doubt but that the King will feel her loss as a brother. Expresses his assurance that she is in glory, and his desire to be resigned to God's will. Acquaints the King that she has ordained by her will that her husband should be administrator and governor of the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, and Granada, &c., as he already is, on behalf of their daughter Queen Juana. On all these matters the King of England will be informed by De Puebla.—Medina del Campo, 26th November 1504.
Spanish. One page of print.
Printed in Gairdner's Memorials.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 2. Arrest of the daughter of De Puebla.
410. De Puebla to Queen Isabella Of Spain.
His only daughter has been arrested by the inquisitors of Seville. Thinks that such an act ought not to have been done without the consent of the Queen, because he, the father, is absent in a foreign country, in the service of his King and Queen. Beseeches her to write two lines recommending that his daughter should not be treated with too great rigour. His daughter might be kept prisoner in her own house, and the whole accusation against her thoroughly investigated to the bottom. Is informed that she has not done or said anything, since she had arrived at years of discretion, that deserves punishment. If, however, his daughter cannot be allowed to remain in her house, she might be kept in prison, but the case might be summarily and leniently disposed of.
Intercedes for her with the Queen.
Reminds her of his old services, and of the important news he has written from Navarre, and how incessantly he has worked in her service, and in the service of the Princess of Wales, since he returned to England. But, if his merits are insufficient to secure a favourable hearing, he appeals to her queenly mercy and clemency. The danger in which his daughter is, deprives him of his tranquillity, of his energy of mind, and of his health. "In manus Tuas, Domina, commendo espiritum meum."
Signed : "Doctor." No date. (fn. 1)
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 2.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 2. 411. De Puebla to Queen Isabella Of Spain.
Has already written two letters to her on the business which is, above all others, dear to his heart, and yet is still left in ignorance of what she has decided. Beseeches her to think what a life he must lead during the uncertainty. This is a case for her queenly clemency, if there be such a thing at all. Reminds her once more of his sacrifices and martyrdom in her service.
She may send her answer by his servant who is now in Spain, or through Martin Sanchez de Camudio in Bilbao.
No date. No signature.
Spanish. Holograph. p. ½.
26 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 37.
412. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to King Ferdinand.
Is very anxious to hear from him, because she is told that his health is suffering, and because she had not received a letter from him the whole of last year.
De Puebla writes more. He will tell all that has happened. —Westminster, 26th November.
Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Lord, my Lord."
Indorsed : "To his Highness, from the Princess of Wales, 26th of November 1504."
Spanish. Holograph. 12 lines.
26 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 39.
413. Katharine, Princess Of Wales, to Queen Isabella Of Spain.
Has written three letters to her, and given them to De Puebla to forward with all care. Wishes to know, above all other things, how her health is. Though the Archduchess had written that the daily attacks of ague, and the fever which followed upon the ague, had disappeared, cannot be satisfied or cheerful until she sees a letter from her mother. Has no other hope or comfort than that which comes from knowing that her mother and father are well.
Doña Maria Rojas.
A marriage of Doña Maria Rojas with one of the first lords of the kingdom is much talked of. The marriage cannot be concluded without their consent. Wishes to retain Doña Maria about her person, and Doña Maria also desires to remain with her after her marriage. Begs them to consent to this marriage, which seems to be approved by De Puebla and by Henry VII.—Westminster, 26th November.
Addressed : "To the very high and very powerful Queen, my Lady."
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 1½.
28 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 78.
Henry VII. begs the Pope to send the dispensation.
414. Henry VII. to Pope Julius II.
Had written to Pope Alexander VI. and Pope Pius III., asking them to grant the dispensation necessary for the marriage of the Princess Katharine of Spain with Henry, Prince of Wales. Both these Popes, his immediate predecessors, had received his demands so favourably that the dispensation would have been given long ago if they had not so suddenly died.
Had repeated his demands afterwards, very often, in his letters, and by his ambassadors. The consequence was, that he (Julius II.) promised in different letters, and by word of mouth, to send the desired dispensation by Robert Sherborne. Robert Sherborne, however, has returned to England without the dispensation, and it even seems as if nothing at all had been done at Rome in this matter. Repeats his former prayers that the dispensation may be granted as soon as possible, and that it may be delivered at once to the English ambassadors who are remaining at Rome.—Westminster, 28th November 1504.
Addressed : "To the Most Holy Father, our Pope."
Indorsed : "Copy of the letter which the King of England has written to the Pope concerning the dispensation."
Written in Spanish by De Puebla : "I have not been able to correct the copy, because the captain of the vessel who takes it to Spain is sailing so soon."
Latin. Copy. pp. 3½.
28 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 66.
415. Henry VII. to Pope Julius II.
A copy of the same letter.
Indorsed in the hand of Almazan : "By order of the King, the Latin secretary has sent me this copy, written by himself, of the letter which the King has again written a short time ago to the Pope about the dispensation."
29 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 65.
416. Henry VII. to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Had written two letters a short time ago to them on the subject of the household of the Princess of Wales, and about his two rebels. (fn. 2) Moreover, has opened his mind to their ambassadors, Ferdinand, Duke de Estrada, and De Puebla, on the subject of the papal dispensation.
Treaty for a more intimate alliance.
De Puebla had afterwards communicated some secret matter to him with respect not only to the intended still nearer relationship between them, but also with regard to a more intimate alliance. Expresses his "immortal" thanks to them, and esteems them more than any other Princes in Christendom. The two clauses which De Puebla has read to him are of the greatest importance. Has had a long conversation with De Puebla about them.—Westminster, 29th November 1504.
Addressed : "To the most serene and powerful Princes, Ferdinand and Isabella, by the grace of God, King and Queen of Castile, Arragon, &c."
Latin. pp. 3.

Footnotes

  • 1. As it is impossible to assign a more accurate date to this and the following paper, we place them in the year 1504, in which Queen Isabella died.
  • 2. Edmund and Richard De la Pole.