Spain: January 1508 | British History Online

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

'Spain: January 1508', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509, (London, 1862) pp. 451-454. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol1/pp451-454 [accessed 24 April 2024]

January 1508



Jan. (?) S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 105.	575. King Ferdinand Of Spain to Katharine, Princess Of Wales. (fn. 1) Has received her letter sent viâ Flanders, and her other letter of the 4th of October. She may be at rest. Will not believe anything which De Puebla writes to her prejudice. Places as implicit faith in her communications as in the Gospel. Would rather send another ambassador than change his intentions.
Jan. (?) S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 105.	Validity of the marriage of the Princess Katharine. Her answer to what the King of England and De Puebla said to her about her marriage with the Prince of Wales was very judicious. The English ambassador may have written that the King of France had told him he (King Ferdinand) did not consider her marriage as concluded, or likely to be concluded. But that was simply a lie. Not the least doubt has ever entered his mind concerning the validity of her marriage, nor has the King of France ever asked such a question. It is likewise pure invention, what the English ambassador in France wrote with respect to the pretended marriage of the Queen of Castile with Monsieur de Foix. The King of France has never proposed such a marriage, and, had he done so, his proposals would not have been accepted. The ambassador who was sent from France to Spain did nothing but inquire whether the King of France could not render him some services. Is now on terms of the most perfect friendship with France. It seems that there is some person in England who invents such stories. Writes a letter to the Lord Great Chamberlain of King Henry. Indorsed : "A letter of the Catholic King to the Princess of Wales." Almazan says, "Fiat." Spanish. Draft. pp. 2.
Jan. (?) S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 105.	576. King Ferdinand Of Spain to the Lord Great Chamberlain Of The King Of England. (fn. 2) Has heard, through the Princess of Wales, that he is very devoted to her service. Thanks him, and hopes he will continue in his good conduct. Spanish. Draft. p. ½.
Jan. (?) S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 106.	577. King Ferdinand Of Spain to De Puebla. Has received his letters of the 3rd of September and 5th of October, together with the letters of the King of England. Is very much pleased to hear of the good health and prosperity of the King of England, whom he loves like a true brother, and whose welfare is as dear to him as his own. Rejoices also at the good news concerning the Prince and Princess of Wales, his children. Thanks the King of England for the postponement of the payment of the marriage portion, to which he has so lovingly consented. Did not expect that so virtuous a Prince could act otherwise. Hopes to pay the remainder of the marriage portion before the time, granted for the payment, has elapsed. He has done well to name to him the bankers through whom the payment can be best made. As soon as the remaining portion of the dower has been sent to England, the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales must take place.
	Untruth of the report concerning what had been said to the King of France respecting the Princess Katharine. Is astonished to hear what the English ambassador in France has written. Has never told the King of France that the marriage between the Prince and Princess of Wales is not yet concluded, or likely to be concluded. On the contrary, neither he nor the King of France have ever doubted that the said marriage is definitely and indissolubly contracted.
	and the marriage between Queen Juana and M. de Foix. It is likewise false that, as the English ambassador in France has written, the King of France has proposed a marriage between the Queen of Castile and Monsieur de Foix. Would not consent to such a marriage for the empire of the world, nor would the King of France tempt him in that way. The French ambassador has come to Spain only for the purpose of residing there, and being a means of increasing the friendship between him and the King of France.
	Marriage between Queen Juana and Henry VII. Conduct of Queen Juana. As for the marriage of the King of England with the Queen of Castile, his intention is unalterable. If the Queen is to marry again she shall marry none but the King of England. Will do all in his power to promote the marriage, but must inform him that the Queen of Castile still carries the corpse of her late husband, King Philip, with her. All efforts to persuade her to bury the corpse have been in vain. Her state of health is such as to render it very dangerous to contradict her. Intends to persuade her, by slow degrees, to bury the corpse of her deceased husband. On his arrival in Castile, the Queen had made up her mind to have the usual honours paid to the dead body of the King on New Year's Day. Did not like to speak to her about a new marriage before that strange ceremony was over. Soon afterwards broached to her the affair of a new marriage. She said she would do his behests in all things, but begged him not force her to give an answer about such a matter before her deceased husband was buried. Has not insisted any further, because he was convinced that all would be in vain. Has written to the Pope, and asked him to send a brief to the Queen of Castile respecting the burial of her husband. Intends to speak with her again, after the burial, about her re-marrying ; and, if she consents to it, will take care that her future husband shall be no other person than the King of England. Will inform him, as soon as possible, of all the further steps he may take in this matter, and also communicate to the King of England the conditions of the marriage.
	War in Gueldres. With respect to the war in Gueldres it must be borne in mind that, after the Queen of Castile, Prince Charles, his grandson, is his heir. Bears him, therefore, as much love as though he were his son. Has consequently written to the King of France, and asked him not to permit his army to cause any damages in the states of Prince Charles. The King of France has answered that he desires the same. But the Flemings have begun war with the Duke of Gueldren taken from him two cities, and besieged other places. As he is an ally of the Duke of Gueldres, he is obliged to aid him. Has, however, sent orders to his captains to do as little harm to the subjects of Prince Charles as possible. If the persons who are at the head of affairs in Flanders would consent to an honourable peace, all would be soon finished. Has again written to the King of France, and requested him, at all events, to procure peace in Flanders. A war is not suitable, on account of the tender age of Prince Charles. Is glad to hear that the King of England is so ready to undertake a war in Africa. Will provide for that war as soon as his other affairs shall have been arranged. Is sorry that he (De Puebla) is in so bad a state of health. Has ordered his private affairs to be attended to. The King of England has written, in his letter of the 27th of August, that he knew a secret respecting the King of Navarre, and that the Princess of Wales and De Puebla would communicate it to him. As neither the Princess nor he has mentioned the King of Navarre, he is to inform himself about that matter immediately, and to write.—No date. Almazan says, "Fiat." Spanish. Draft. pp. 6.
28 Jan. A. G. d. D. d. N.	578. Maximilian, King Of The Romans, to the Archduchess Margaret. Sends Andreas de Burgo to England. Has, however ordered him, before he goes to England, to see her, and to communicate to her his commission. Andreas de Burgo has some money, but it may perhaps not be enough to defray his expenses. Has therefore given directions to him to take some money for his own use from the 100,000 gold crowns which the King of England is expected to give. Begs her also to write a pleasant letter to the King of England.— Bolzano, 28th January 1508. French. p. 1, in print. Printed in Correspondance de l'Empereur Maximilian I., &c. Publié par M. le Glay. Vol. I. p. 110.