Spain: October 1522 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 2, 1509-1525. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1866.

'Spain: October 1522', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 2, 1509-1525, (London, 1866) pp. 484-502. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol2/pp484-502 [accessed 20 April 2024]

October 1522



2 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. f. 66.	481. Bernardino De Carbajal, Cardinal Of Santa Croce, to the Emperor. According to the information of his agent at the Imperial court, the Pope has written to him (the Emperor) that he (the Cardinal) has advised the Pope to remain neutral, and not to espouse his (the Emperor's) and the King of England's cause. Is exceedingly sorry that the two persons whom he esteems most in this world have so bad an opinion of him. Swears that he never has given such counsel to the Pope. Desires nothing more than the aggrandizement of his (the Emperor's) power and the humiliation of France. Only after France has restored to their rightful proprietors (the Emperor and the King of England) what she has stolen from them, will a general peace in Christendom and a common war of all Christian princes against the Turks become possible. Some of his servants may have spoken in a different way, though he thinks they had no bad intentions. Has dismissed them. Begs him (the Emperor) to regard him as one of his most zealous and faithful servants.—Rome, the 2nd of October 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty." Indorsed : "To the King. 1522. Rome. From the Cardinal of Santa, the 2nd of October. Answered." Spanish. Autograph. pp. 2.
3 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. ff. 68-72.	482. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor. Has often sent detailed despatches since the arrival of the English ambassador. If they did not arrive, it was not his fault. Has been informed by one of the Signory that the Signory has replied to the proposals he (the Emperor) has made in Flanders to the Venetian ambassador. This answer was sent to the Venetian ambassador at his court soon after the arrival of the English ambassador. It is said that it differs very little from what he had proposed to the Venetian ambassador in Palencia, and the Signory thinks that peace will soon be made between him and Venice. The King of England has said to the Venetian ambassador at his court that the Signory does nothing but delay the conclusion of the negotiations. The Vice-Chancellor of England told the Venetian ambassador that the King of France is ready to make peace with him (the Emperor) on very acceptable conditions, and that it is very possible that peace will be concluded if the King of England does not oppose it. The King of France, according to what the Vice-Chancellor said, is ready to renounce his rights on the duchy of Milan as well as his pension from the kingdom of Naples, and to restore Fuentarabia, if he (the Emperor) marries his daughter. The Doge of Venice pretends sometimes that the King of England has no money, and that he (the Emperor) will soon be obliged to make peace with France. On other occasions he says the King of France has gone to Picardy, a pestilence rages in Paris, &c. The wife of the Viceroy of Naples returns to Flanders. The English ambassador told him that the Venetian ambassador in England had begged the King of England to revoke the order by which an embargo is laid on Venetian galleys and merchandise in England. The King, however, answered that he would not hear of such a thing until he had been informed by his ambassador in Venice of the conclusion to which the Signory had come with him and the Emperor. Has just received his letters of the 25th of last month. Does not think that Venice will declare war with the Turks, unless the Christian army and navy be very powerful. Letters from Queen Isabella in Ferrara. The Signory has received letters from France, by which they are informed that the King of France has gone to Picardy, and that the King of England has an excellent opportunity to make peace with him on honourable conditions. As England, they say, has unjustly begun war with France, it is to be expected that the King of England will not persevere in it. The King of France knows how much the Signory is urged by him (the Emperor) and the King of England to forsake him, and to make common cause with them. He thanks the Signory for their constancy, and promises not to forsake Venice.—Venice, sealed on the 3rd of October 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King, our Lord." Indorsed : "Answered." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 6.
8 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. ff. 83-89.	483. Juan Manuel to the Emperor. Has written often to him, but it seems he has not received his letters. The French have most probably intercepted them. Although a pestilence has broken out in Rome, he has spoken at different times with the Pope, not about public business, but only on the private affairs of the Pope. The Pope seems to like him very much, and has thanked him for his advice ; but the character of the Pope is so weak and irresolute that he will do nothing that he has advised him to do. The Pope is utterly ignorant not only of Italian affairs, but also of what passes in other parts of the world. His weakness and avarice will not permit him to do anything in favour of him (the Emperor). Neither he nor the King of England must count on him. Knows that the Pope has entertained secret negotiations with the King of France ever since he left Spain. It is repugnant to him (Juan Manuel) to give obedience, in his (the Emperor's) name, to such a Pope as the present ; has, therefore, asked the Viceroy (of Naples) and the Duke of Sessa to do so in his stead. Enkenvöert is a very poor personage with respect to his knowledge, as well as with respect to his character. The Pope has no confidence in him. The hackney horse has been delivered to the Pope, who behaved on that occasion like a child, (fn. 1) and praised him (the Emperor) and him (Juan Manuel) much. The Pope asked for the census (of Naples), which was given to him, after deducting, however, the 3,000 ducats of the Marquis of Mantua. The army is in a very bad state. Wishes to return as soon as possible. The new ambassador, Duke de Sessa, is animated by the best intentions. Rodrigo Niño returns to his post. Cardinal Colonna, &c. Personal affairs. The son of the Duke of Ferrara is in Rome. The Pope told him he would conclude nothing with him without his (Juan Manuel's) advice. Nevertheless the Pope has entered into negotiations with the son of the Duke, and is willing to sell him Modena and Reggio. Has protested against such a bargain, as Modena and Reggio belong to the Empire.—Marino, the 8th of October 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred and Catholic Majesty, &c." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 7.
10 Oct. M. D. Pasc. d. G. Pa. r. a. l. Hist. d. Esp.	484. The Abbot Of Najera to the Emperor. Has been ill. La Motte arrived in Pavia on the 13th of September, and surrendered Lecco, Trezzo, and Domodossola. He had a great deal of secret conversation with Prospero Colonna, in consequence of which Prospero had sent a gentleman of his household to him (the Emperor). The Spanish infantry has marched to the Gherardadda, on the Venetian frontiers. As the Venetians do nothing but put off the conclusion of the alliance (with the Emperor and the King of England), it would be well to announce to them what the consequence of their delays will be. The greater part of the Swiss are partisans of the King of France. Lucca. Siena. The Imperial army. Contributions for the pay of the army. Spoke with the Duke of Milan about the 50,000 ducats which the King of England has promised to pay. The Duke assured him that the King of England will not fail to fulfil his promise. The troops live upon the inhabitants of the country. That cannot be avoided, as they are not paid. Marquis of Pescara. Antonio de Leyva. The garrison of the castle of Novara are all put to death. The Cardinal of Sion died on the last day of September. Juan Manuel. The Seigneur of Monaco.—Vigeveno, the 10th of October 1522. Addressed : "To his most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty." Indorsed : "Answered." Spanish. Holograph. pp. 12.
Oct. (?) M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 27. f. 4.	485. Prospero Colonna to Joan Vicenzio Cosso. He is to go to the Emperor and to speak to him, in his name as follows : Animated by the desire to serve the Emperor not only in warlike enterprises, but also with his advice, he has thought much about the best means by which quiet and peace may be given to Italy, and the Emperor be made master of the whole of that country. 1. The first thing to be done is to persuade the Pope to enter openly into the league between the Emperor, the King of England, and the other Italian states. Knows that the Pope loves the Emperor, and is inclined to further his interests by all means. The Pope himself told him so, when he saw him at Genoa. The Emperor, however, must avoid hurting the feelings of the Pope. 2. Should the Pope, from certain reasons, refuse to enter the league between the Emperor and the King of England, he must then be persuaded to become the head of a defensive league of all the Italian states, Naples, Florence, Siena, Lucca, Genoa, Milan, Mantua, Monferrato, Venice, and Ferrara. 3. The Emperor ought to conclude peace with Venice, even if the conditions of it do not seem at first sight to be favourable to him. The friendship of Venice is of very great importance to him. 4. The Emperor ought to do all that is possible to strengthen the power of the Duke of Milan, and the whole of Italy ought to know that such is his will. 5. It would much increase the power of the Emperor in Italy if the Duke of Ferrara were to return into his obedience. 6. The irresolution of the Venetians and the friendship of a great portion of the Swiss render it easy for the King of France to invade Italy as often as he is not occupied in other parts of his dominions. The nature of the country renders a war of England with France, or a war on the frontiers of Flanders, very insignificant, if it is continued only for a short time. Thus, the French have little to fear this winter from England and from the Imperial army in Flanders. Has been told that the Emperor does not intend, during the winter, to invade France on the frontiers of Spain. The French, consequently, have it in their power to invade Italy during the winter, which invasion would much prejudice the interests of the Emperor, and all the money spent hitherto in this war would be thrown away. Is of opinion that the war ought soon to be resumed by the King of England and by the Emperor on the frontiers of Flanders, but that the Emperor ought first to attack France from both sides of the Spanish frontiers, in order to divide the French forces. Begs the Emperor not to treat the King of England with disdain (fn. 2) ; for if he were to do so, the King of England might say that by not attacking France on the frontiers of Spain, he (the Emperor) does not fulfil his obligations towards him, and might be furnished thereby with a pretext for not continuing the war. 7. The Emperor seems to think that Milan and Genoa alone are able to sustain his army, in case the other states refuse to contribute towards its sustenance. If that is the opinion of the Emperor, he is mistaken. The Duke (of Milan) and the Adorni have the best intentions to serve him faithfully, but to sustain his army from the resources of Milan and Genoa alone is simply impossible. Superscribed : "A. Instruction to you, Joan Vicenzio Cosso, respecting what you are to tell the Emperor in my name concerning the affairs of Genoa." Italian. Apparently the original copy. pp. 11.
Oct. (?) M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 27. f. 10.	486. Prospero Colonna to Joan Vicenzio Cosso. He is to tell the Emperor what follows :— 1. The King of France is ready to accept the truce which the King of England has proposed to him, or any other truce. The King of France also wishes that the Duke Maximilian should be restored to his dukedom, and the exiles permitted to return. The fortress is to be delivered to Signor Prospero. 2. Pay of the army. 3. Monferrato, &c. Indorsed : "The second instruction of Prospero Colonna, which he sent by his servant Joan Vicenzio Cosso. Answered." This instruction, which contains eleven paragraphs, bears the signature B. The first paragraph is written in the hand of Prospero Colonna. Two more instructions of Prospero to Joan Vicenzio Cosso follow on matters of local Italian interest. Italian. Original copy. pp. 2.
11 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. ff. 107-109.	487. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor. The Signory has sent for him and has read him a draft of a letter to him (the Emperor), in which they promise to make war with the Turks if he (the Emperor) attacks them with a powerful army and fleet. Thinks they will do so. The Signory very often receives despatches from France. Has asked the Duke of Milan to intercept them. The substance of the intercepted letters is that the King of France is very prosperous in Picardy. As, however, the news has arrived that he and the King of England have burnt the town of Hesdin and are besieging the castle, the Venetians begin to have less confidence in the power of the King of France. Has received letters from Milan, by which he is informed of what the Scots are doing. Does not yet believe it, for if it were true the Venetian ambassador in England would have sent a special courier. The Signory is very little pleased with the behaviour of the King of England, especially on account of the embargo laid on Venetian galleys and merchandise. The people speak of him as badly as possible.—Venice, the 11th of October 1522. Sealed the 15th of October. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King, our Lord." Indorsed : "Venice. 1522. From Alonso Sanchez, the 15th of October." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 3.
15 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. ff. 111-121.	488. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor. Two days ago, the Signory received letters from England, dated the 25th of September. The English ambassador likewise had letters from England, but not from the King, or from the Cardinal, or from any other personage concerned in the negotiations which are being carried on in Venice. The English ambassador told him that the Signory is very greatly discouraged and very much troubled by the answer they have had from the King of England. The Cardinal of England has told their ambassador that he could not be the mediator in their disputes with him (the Emperor), and that they must settle their affairs with him in Spain as well as they can. The Cardinal added that, if they could not come to an understanding respecting some minor points, the King of England would try to arrange them, but that he could do no more, as the Imperial ambassador in England had protested against the mediation of the King of England. The Cardinal said further to the Venetian ambassador that the Venetian galleys and goods on which an embargo had been laid could not be restored to their proprietors until the Republic had declared war against France, according to the treaty of London. The Cardinal insisted also that the Venetians should declare war against France without any delay. The Signory is very much dissatisfied with the answer of the Cardinal of England, who had formerly promised to be the mediator between them and him (the Emperor), and to make alterations in the articles proposed by him (the Emperor). He had, they said, encouraged them thereby not to accept his the (Emperor's) proposals. The Signory is still resolved not to declare war against France before their disputes with him (the Emperor) are settled. They say that their ambassador promised the Cardinal of England that the Republic would not aid the King of France, neither at present nor in future, and that the duchy of Milan should remain in the undisputed possession of him (the Emperor) as he holds it. They add, however, that their promise not to assist the King of France was given only on condition that he (the Emperor) should reconcile himself with the Republic. The English ambassador is rather a friend of the Republic than otherwise. He came to him (Alonso Sanchez) the day before, and told him that all the above-mentioned facts were communicated to him by the Signory in a confidential manner. He is afraid, he said, that the answer given in England to the Venetian ambassador was too harsh, and might, perhaps, drive the Signory to adopt some desperate measure, such, for instance, as to declare themselves openly the allies of the King of France. Replied that the answer given by the King of England to the Venetian ambassador seemed to him to be very just and very reasonable. Added that the Venetians were not really desirous to conclude peace with him (the Emperor), but were only seeking a pretext for delaying their decision. If they had been really willing to conclude peace with him (the Emperor), they would long since have replied to his proposals made more than five months ago. Nor was it any excuse to say that they thought the Cardinal of England would propose some alterations of the conditions made by him (the Emperor), as he (Alonso Sanchez) a very long time ago had shown to the Signory his (the Emperor's) letter, in which he declares that, although the Cardinal of England had spoken about his intended modifications, a decision had afterwards been made to wait until the Signory should have answered his (the Emperor's) proposals. Notwithstanding this communication, the Venetians had not sent their answer. The prejudice caused by their behaviour to him (the Emperor) is considerable, as they oblige him to keep a very expensive army in Lombardy. Added that there is no doubt that the friendship of the Republic is of very great importance to him (the Emperor), but that, if the Venetians should resolve on such a desperate measure as to declare themselves openly the allies of the King of France, they would have to suffer the consequences. Any decision of the Republic, whatever it might be, seemed to him preferable to their endless delays. It was resolved between him and the English ambassador to confer once more on this subject, and to come to an understanding respecting what ought to be done. The English ambassador told him, in a confidential manner, that the Signory has asked the opinion of very great scholars, who have answered that the Republic is not obliged to fulfil the treaty of London. The Signory declared also to the English ambassador that the Republic no longer considers itself bound by its treaty with France. Was very glad to hear it. Thinks it will be possible to conclude a treaty with the Republic on such conditions as he (the Emperor) desires, for they are very much afraid of the Imperial army which is so near their frontiers. The English ambassador has received letters from his friends in England, who tell him that the Scots have assembled a very numerous army and invaded England. The governor of the northern provinces, however, received them so well that they were soon obliged to retire with great loss. The Scots have given hostages and have promised soon to send commissioners to England, in order to conclude peace with that kingdom. Whilst writing this letter, the English ambassador came to him, and told him that the day before he had been with several members of the Signory without his (Alonso Sanchez's) knowledge. He says that he asked them which were the points that had given them most discontent in the answer delivered to their ambassador in England. They replied that what had most offended them was the strong language used, the great number of offensive words uttered by the Cardinal of England, his refusal to be the mediator between them and him (the Emperor), and his advice to arrange their affairs with the Emperor in Spain. The Venetians added that they had sent very full powers to their ambassador in England, and had instructed their ambassador at the Imperial court to do what he might be requested to do by his colleague in England. The Venetians complained, further, that they were the objects of continual suspicion. If they armed a fleet for a war with the Turks, it was said they wanted to make war on him (the Emperor) ; if they sent garrisons to their frontier towns which are menaced by the proximity of the Imperial army, quite different intentions were attributed to them from those which they have. Thinks that the answer of the Cardinal was very just and wise. To urge the Venetians to declare, without delay, war against France, is to induce them the sooner to conclude peace with him (the Emperor). Showed the English ambassador a letter of Don Juan from Rome, in which he writes that it is believed that the Republic has urgently solicited the King of France to send an army to Italy. Arranged with the English ambassador that he should desire the Signory, in his own name and without mentioning that they had conferred on this matter, officially to report what they had confidentially declared to him, namely, that they no longer consider themselves as bound by their treaty with the King of France, and that they will not lend him any assistance in case a French army should invade Italy. Told the English ambassador that he received, almost daily, letters from the Infante, (fn. 3) the Duke of Milan, Don Juan (Manuel), and the Viceroy of Naples, urging him to bring his negotiations with Venice to a speedy conclusion, because if the Signory refused to conclude peace with the Emperor, the Emperor and the Infante intended to make war on the Venetians from different sides. Asked the ambassador to tell the Signory this in a confidential manner, not in his quality of an ambassador, but only as a friend of the Republic. The English ambassador did so, and the Signory answered that they were at liberty to aid the French, or not to aid them, just as they liked, adding that if at present they were to promise the Emperor and the King of England not to assist the French, the Emperor would not offer them acceptable conditions for their separate peace. (fn. 4) They swore that they had not asked the King of France to send an army to Italy. The Signory has received letters from France. The English ambassador is a great friend of the Duke of Ferrara. He says that the Duke wishes to abandon the King of France, and offers money to him (the Emperor).—Venice, the 15th of October, 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King, our Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. 1522. From Venice. Alonso Sanchez. The 15th of October. Answered." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 8.
16 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. 116.	489. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor. This despatch in cipher is a duplicate of the despatch of Don Alonso Sanchez to the Emperor, dated the 15th of October 1522. Added at the bottom : "It is to-day the 16th of October. This is a copy of the despatch which was sent viâ Genoa, and it goes by way of Rome."
17 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. ff. 127-133.	490. The Duke Of Sessa, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. His first conversation with the Pope was in presence of Don Juan, who remained two days longer than he intended (Saturday and Sunday) in Rome, in order to see whether the Pope would not change his mind. Had, after the departure of Don Juan, an audience of the Pope on Tuesday at 13 o'clock. Asked him to enter into a league with him (the Emperor) and the Italian states for the defence of Italy. Did not dare to ask the Pope to enter into the league between him and the King of England against France. That seemed to him to be impossible. The Pope declared he had neither the money nor the desire to make war. His intention, he said, was to conclude a truce, and afterwards a general peace, between all Christian princes. Said his Holiness would be better able to force the King of France to keep peace if he concluded an alliance with him (the Emperor) and the King of England. The Pope insisted much on both the reasons which he gave for not entering into any league, viz., his want of money and his desire to procure a general peace. Made representations to the Pope concerning his negotiations with the Duke of Ferrara, which, though not yet formally concluded, are in the way of being concluded. Enkenvöert commands the Pope. Johan Vincle, the referendarius, and a certain Peter of Rome, a German by birth, "who entered into the service of the Pope as sweeper and is now valet de chambre," (fn. 5) command Enkenvöert. Would to God that the power of commanding had not descended still lower. The Pope sometimes confers also with other servants who are near his person, as, for instance, with Cisterer, with Jayme Mollete and Fray Alonso de Carmona, who is a good man. The Archbishop of Cosenza has also some influence over the Pope, but he uses it with too much timidity. There are topics on which he does not dare to speak with the Pope. When he read him his (the Emperor's) last despatch in cipher his Holiness was so angry that he was nearly suffocated with rage. (fn. 6) Spanish rebels in Rome. Creation of cardinals. Medii fructus. Cruzada. The Pope got very angry, and said that he (the Emperor) asked so many and such strange things from him that, if he did not regard him as his son, he would declare himself in favour of his enemies. The Pope declares it is not the Emperor but his council who govern. Answered that the Emperor signed the despatches. Army. Florence. Lucca. Siena, &c. The Swiss. Johan Vincle, who absolutely commands Enkenvöert, is not his (the Emperor's) friend. The valet de chambre, Peter, is a good person, but he is too covetous. Theodoric, the secretary is a good Imperialist, and the most influential of all the secretaries of the Pope. Adrian, a valet de chambre, is much liked by his Holiness. Francesco, a valet de chambre, idem. Peter of Rome, a valet de chambre, is a great tyrant and an open partisan of France. He commands Enkenvöert through ribald women, by means of whom he is more powerful than the others. (fn. 7) Of the Spaniards who have influence over the Pope, may be mentioned :— Fray Alonso de Carmona, who is a good man, but he knows very little, and that little only by the prompting of others. He is on terms of great intimacy with a certain Fray Bernardino, a Sicilian and late servant of the great captain, who acts his part well, and leads Fray Alonso as he likes. "The Sicilian is a great ribald, he is my old friend, and was degraded by the late Pope Leo." (fn. 8) Cisterer seems to be a man of little talent, but he is a good Imperialist. Does not yet know the Doctor Agreda. Don Hernando de Silva does what he can for him. The Bishop of Cuenca is a true servant of the Pope. He speaks whatever runs in his mind, and has always his (the Emperor's) name in his mouth. He is, however, not entirely "clean water." The Archbishop of Cosenza is much respected and a true servant of his (the Emperor's) ; but he cannot do much, because he dares little. Writes these particulars because he wishes that he (the Emperor) should tell him how he is to behave towards every one of them.—Marino, the 17th of October 1522. Addressed : "Invictissimo Cœsari, &c." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 10½.
23 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. ff. 189-192.	491. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor. The embargo laid on the Venetian galleys in England afflicts the Venetians very much. Although the members of the Signory say in public that they will not be prevented by such a measure from making common cause with the King of France, the proprietors of the galleys reproach the Signory with being the cause of their losses. It is true that the French party, who are in the majority, and who form almost the whole of the population, say that they must conclude an alliance with France, as the King of England, who was to be the mediator between them and him (the Emperor) has begun war with the Republic. He (the Emperor) and the King of England have very few friends in Venice, and those few do not dare even to speak in their favour. Is of opinion that the embargo laid on the Venetian galleys in England is a wise measure, as the Venetians will never declare war against France, if they are not forced to do so. They speak very unceremoniously of the King of England. The English ambassador went yesterday to the Signory, and complained of the strong language which was publicly indulged in by the Venetians against his master. If the King of England, he said, were informed of what is said of him, he would be very angry with them. The English ambassador added that his King is so wise and so powerful in war that he would show them, both by reason and by feats of arms, that he can keep his word as well as they do and better. The English ambassador told him that the Signory had answered that they could not prevent people from speaking as they pleased, but that they would nominate some persons, and give them power to punish those who calumniated the King of England. The English ambassador further told the Signory that he had heard it said that they would invite the Turks to ruin all the princes of Christendom. The Signory, however, swore that they had never said or thought of such a thing, and that they would hang those who invent such stories if they could only discover them. It is true that the Venetians have written to the Pope, complaining of him (the Emperor) because he had garrisoned Gherardadda with Imperial troops, and that the Pope has answered them favourably. Thinks the Pope has done wrong to encourage the Venetians. Hieronymo Adorno has sent one of his servants, a certain Giovannino Centurio, with credentials to him. This person has told him that he (the Emperor) and the King of England spend great sums of money in Picardy, with little profit to themselves and little injury to the French, the French frontier towns in that part being very strong and well provided. It has, therefore, been decided to reduce the expenses of the war in Picardy, and to form an army in Italy of 15,000 foot and 800 or 1,000 men-at-arms. The infantry is to consist of 5,000 Spaniards, 5,000 Germans, and 5,000 Italians. The command is to be given either to the Marquis of Pescara or to Prospero (Colonna). The King of England, he said, had promised to pay 150,000 ducats for the formation of the army, which, assisted by the Genoese fleet, is to invade Provence, that province being believed to be in a very bad state of defence, so that even Lyons could be taken without any serious difficulty. The loss of Lyons would deprive the King of France of his best pecuniary resources, and the Imperial army could be sustained from the revenues of the conquered provinces. This Giovannino said that Hieronymo (Adorno) was the author of this plan, that he had communicated it to him (the Emperor), and that he (the Emperor) would write about it to the King of England. Hieronymo (Adorno) had sent him (Centurio) to Venice to confer about this plan with the English ambassador, but he (Centurio) was first to speak with him (Alonso Sanchez) and to hear his opinion. Said to Giovannino (Centurio) that the plan of Hieronymo Adorno seemed to him to be very wise, as all his plans are, but that in his opinion it would be best to wait for his answer (the Emperor's) before speaking with the English ambassador. As Adorno had not yet consulted Don Juan (Manuel), it would be also necessary to listen to his advice, and afterwards to enter into communication with the English ambassador on the subject. Giovannino answered that Adorno had conferred with Don Juan respecting his plan, and that Don Juan had entirely approved it. Said, if that was the case, he might speak with the English ambassador on the subject. When Centurio communicated the plan to the English ambassador, the ambassador proposed that the one hundred and fif ... (fn. 9) sent to him in case that this sum should not be entirely spent. Conferred afterwards with the English ambassador who thought very well of the plan, and praised it much. He had only two doubts ; the first was whether it would not perhaps be thought inconvenient to send such a sum to him, and the second, whether it was not perhaps unwise to propose to the King of England new expenses, which would be very unpopular in England. As he (the ambassador) had a great many enemies in his country, they would avail themselves of this opportunity to injure him. Answered that this plan did not involve new expenses, but rather tended to diminish the expenses, and nevertheless to do more harm to the enemy. As to his doubts whether he could properly ask that the money should be sent to him, he begged him not to mention this particular in his letter to the King of England, as he (the Emperor) would settle it with his master. The English ambassador was very well satisfied, and promised to write the desired letter, saying that he would recommend the acceptance of this plan to his King. The Baron de Lecha, (fn. 10) French ambassador in Venice and afterwards in Ferrara, is returning to France. News concerning the Turks. It is said that he (the Emperor) and the King of England have raised the siege of the castle of Hesdin.—Venice, the 23rd of October 1522. Sealed on the 28th of October. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King, our Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. 1522. From Venice. Alonso Sanchez. The 28th of October. Answered. Duplicate." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 5.
25 Oct. M. D. Pasc. d. G. Pa. r. a. l. Hist. d. Esp.	492. The Abbot Of Najera to the Emperor. Received on the 20th two of his letters, one of them of the 7th and the other of the 27th of September. He is indignant that the men-at-arms live upon what they take from the people. He is right, and his captains are very sorry to see how horribly the people suffer. But there is no help for it. The men-at-arms are not paid, and have not even gained anything by the sacking of towns which has taken place on different occasions. The infantry alone has profited by it. He (the Emperor) may be assured that as soon as the troops are paid, he (the Abbot) and the captains will see that the troops do not take anything without paying for it. Has read what he has written to him about the war in Picardy. It is all very well that the (English and Imperial) troops who invaded Picardy have taken great booty, and that they call the war a good war. Is glad to hear that he hopes soon to go and give battle to the enemy, or to conquer some great town. Wishes only that it may be done soon, and that the result may be in accordance with his hopes. It is very desirable that he and the King of England should carry on the war in an effectual manner. He (the Emperor) writes that the Duke of Milan ought to send a commissioner to Switzerland, to renew his old treaties with the Swiss, paying them the usual pensions. The Duke, however, answers that he will send his commissioner as soon as he (the Emperor) and the King of England send theirs. It has been stipulated, he says, that the three agents should go together. The Swiss must be told that he, the King of England, and the Duke of Milan intend to bring about a general peace which will be for the welfare of Christendom. Hieronymo Adorno is a very able negotiator ; he ought to be sent to Venice. Francisco de Mendoza has escaped from his prison in France. He says that the King of France has taken almost all the silver and gold from the churches, that he is exceedingly poor and afraid of being entirely defeated.—Vigeveno, the 25th of October 1522. Addressed : "To his most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty." Indorsed : "To the King. 1522. From Vigeveno. Abbot of Najera. The 25th of October. Answered." Spanish. Holograph. pp. 3.
25 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. f. 156.	493. Hieronymo Adorno to the Emperor. Has received his orders to go to Venice, and has no objection to carry on his (the Emperor's) negotiations with the Republic in common with the ambassador Alonso Sanchez. Will leave next week, and hopes that before his departure Don Juan will arrive from Rome, as he wishes to confer with him. Has written to Alonso Sanchez and to Richard Pace, and has informed them of the commission he has received, begging them meanwhile to conduct their affairs as best they can. Fears that Alonso Sanchez and Richard Pace have rendered the negotiations with Venice more difficult than they were at first. Knows from good authority that the Venetians have asked the King of France to send an army to Italy this year, promising to do more for him than they are obliged by their treaty. The King of France has promised to do what they ask. Having been informed that he (the Emperor) is without tidings from Flanders and from England, he sends him copies of the news he has received viâ Lyons. It would have been a very good thing if he and the King of England had sent some commissioners with money to the Swiss. As that has not yet been done he begs him to do it without delay. It is of the utmost importance to induce the Swiss to forsake the cause of the King of France. Thinks that 100,000 ducats would be sufficient to buy the Swiss. If so large a sum of money cannot be spared, he advises him to send, at all events, a commissioner to the Swiss with less money, and to insist upon the King of England ordering Richard Pace to go likewise to Switzerland. Turks. Rhodes.—Genoa, the 25th of October 1522. Addressed : "To the most Serene [paper gone]." Indorsed : "To the King. 1522. From Genoa. Hieronymo Adorno. The 25th of October. Duplicate. Answered." Spanish. Holograph. pp. 8.
26 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. f. 144.	494. Charles De Lanoy, Viceroy Of Naples, to the Emperor. Siena has promised to pay 15,000 ducats. As soon as he had received his (the Emperor's) letters for the Duke of Sessa, he sent them to him. The Duke, who had accepted the post of ambassador in Rome, hastened to see him, and then went to Marino to see Don Juan. Both of them spoke with the Pope, but could not prevail upon his Holiness to become a member of the league (between the Emperor and King of England). As the pay of the republics and of the Duke of Milan ceased on the 15th of October, the army will disband, if money cannot be procured, and all will be lost. [Written on the margin in the hand of the Chancellor Gattinara :] His Majesty hopes the Pope will do something for the maintenance of the army. A new army is, moreover, forming in Germany.
26 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. f. 144.	Cardinal Petrucci, &c. Venice still refuses to declare itself. The Signory has put off its final answer until it is known what turn the negotiations between the King of England and the King of France will take. [Written on the margin in the hand of the Chancellor Gattinara :] Hieronymo Adorno is sent to Venice, and the Republic will be forced to declare its intentions by either yes or no. If the Republic refuses to enter the alliance against France, it will soon learn that it has committed a great error. Mantua, &c. Indorsed : "From the Viceroy of Naples, the 26th of October, and the 22nd of October. All in cipher. 1522." Spanish. This document is an abstract from the original letter, which has served the Chancellor as a memorandum. pp. 4.
26 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. f. 187.	495. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor. The Papal nuncio in Venice exercises the greatest influence over that Republic. He says that the Venetians will do what the Pope bids them. It is clear that the Venetians delay their final decision with regard to entering into the league against France, because they hope that the Pope will reconcile him (the Emperor) and the King of England with the King of France. It is, therefore, of the greatest importance to win over the Pope. Has received a letter from Hieronymo Adorno.—Venice, the 26th of October. Sealed the 28th of October 1522. Addressed : "To his Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor and King, our Lord." Indorsed : "To the King. 1522. From Venice. Alonso Sanchez. The 28th of October. Answered." Spanish. Autograph in cipher. Contemporary deciphering. pp. 2.
31 Oct. M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar. A. 26. f. 227.	496. The Duke Of Sessa, Imperial Ambassador in Rome, to the Emperor. His last letter to him (the Emperor) was dated the 17th. Has since received his despatches addressed to Juan Manuel. Went, after having read them, directly to Rome, although the pestilence is increasing with the cold weather. The number of deaths exceed 150 a day. The Pope, however, does not mind the pestilence and remains in Rome. Gave the Pope his letters to read, and said to him that he (the Emperor) addressed himself to his Holiness with all the confidence of a son in his father. Enlarged especially on his demands that the Pope should empower the Bishop of Veruli in Switzerland to persuade the Swiss to remain neutral, and to authorize Hieronymo Adorno in Venice to advise the Venetians to conclude the alliance (with the Emperor and the King of England). Begged the Pope to send another legate to Venice, and to reconcile himself with the Duke of Ferrara. The Pope said he would give him an answer on another day. Next day the Pope declared to him that, being the common father of all Christians, it was his duty to bring about a general peace of all Christians. His nuncio in France had been ordered to conduct his negotiations with that object, and another person had been sent to England for the same purpose. He was every day expecting letters from England, announcing to him that his proposals for a general peace had been accepted. If a general peace could not be concluded, his Holiness would propose a general truce. The Turks, he added, were more menacing than ever, and Rhodes is in great danger. The King of France had offered him (the Pope) an alliance on any conditions he might choose, but his Holiness had not accepted his overtures, as he did not like to be the enemy of any Christian prince, except of those who should refuse to make peace. With respect to Switzerland, his Holiness said he would recall the Bishop of Veruli, and send in his stead another bishop, who is a good Imperialist. Hears that the Pope has chosen for that post the Bishop of Zurich. The Pope promises to instruct his new nuncio to persuade the Swiss to conclude the alliance, but not to make war on any prince of Christendom. His Holiness, however, says he could not pay pensions to the Swiss. Concerning Venice, the Pope told him he could not recall the legate from that city, but that he would beg the Venetians to conclude an alliance with him (the Emperor) and the King of England, on condition, however, that the alliance should not be to the prejudice of any other Christian prince. Ferrara. Modena. Reggio. A long conversation on this topic ensued with the Pope, but it was impossible for him to obtain any other answer. Begged the Pope, therefore, not to write at all to the Venetians, as the uncertainty in which they are is preferable to his (the Pope's) exhortation. As for Switzerland, he said, his Holiness might spare himself the trouble of writing to his nuncio, as the Swiss do not care for words, unless they are accompanied with money. The reason why the Pope wishes to avoid war is to spare money. He is anxiously waiting for news from England. Nothing from that country is heard of as yet, but it is known that the Archbishop of Bari is on his way to Rome. The French secretary has audiences daily of the Pope, and is favoured by all his servants, especially by the Datario Enkenvöert. Enkenvöert does nothing but what Cardinal Monte tells him, and Cardinal Monte is entirely dependent on the Cardinal of Volterra. Spoke with the Cardinal of Volterra, and lavished a great many fair words on him. He (the Cardinal) is not, however, satisfied with words, but wishes for deeds. He asks for the bishopric of Tortosa free from all pensions. Thinks he (the Emperor) would do well if he were to give the bishopric of Tortosa or the abbacy of Monreal to the Cardinal of Volterra. The Pope would also like it very much, although he dissembles. Wrote to Hieronymo Adorno to tell him the result of his conversation with the Pope, and begged him (Hieronymo) to inform him (the Duke of Sessa) whether Prospero Colonna would begin war against Venice if the Signory refused to accept his (the Emperor's) proposals (to conclude an alliance with the Emperor and the King of England). The Viceroy (of Naples) ought to come to Rome. The love of the Pope for him (the Emperor) is exceedingly great, but he shows it only in words. Lope Hurtado (de Mendoza). The Neapolitan army. The Marquis of Pescara is a man of great genius and courage. He is offended by certain censures passed on his behaviour, but he must be reconciled. Lucca. Death of the Bishop of Palencia. Ecclesiastical affairs, &c.—Marino, last day of October 1522. Spanish. Autograph, partly in cipher and partly in common writing. Contemporary deciphering, pp. 10.