Spain: August 1525, 6-15 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 1, 1525-1526. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.

'Spain: August 1525, 6-15', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 1, 1525-1526, (London, 1873) pp. 274-290. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol3/no1/pp274-290 [accessed 19 April 2024]

August 1525, 6-15



6 Aug.	158. Lope de Soria, Imperial Ambassador in Genoa, to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, ff. 145–52.	On the 13th arrived, by way of Perpignan, a servant of Mons. de Rocandolfo, (fn. n1) who said that a certain treaty of truce had been announced and proclaimed at Marseille. Nothing was known in Genoa about it. Grimaldi, who has also arrived at Monaco, says that on his way thither from Valencia he encountered the French galleys. He (Soria) suspects that they are after no good.
	Money affairs. The Doge's galleys, and the Imperial fleet. Death of Cardinal Vich at Rome.
	The Doge [of Genoa] has had letters from Rome, stating that a league had been concluded between the Pope, France England and all the Italian potentates, except Milan, and that even the Duke [of Milan] was strongly solicited to join it.
	State of the army and navy in Italy. Andrea del Borgo, etc.—Sestri de Poniente, 6 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial and Catholic Majesty."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. From Genoa. Lope de Soria, 6 Aug."
	Spanish. Holograph partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering in the hand of Secretary Alfonso de Soria. pp. 4.
6 Aug.	159. The Same to the Same.
Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, f. 148.	Duplicate of the foregoing despatch, with a few lines added respecting the Genoese galleys.
7 Aug.	160. The Commissioners in England to the Emperor.
K. u. K. Haus- Hof- u. Staats Arch. Wien. Rep. P. C. Fasc. 223. No. 38, ff. 99–100.	Richard Florentin arrived on Monday the 13th of July last with the Emperor's letter to Le Sauch, the copy or another to Madame, those of the King of France, and the answer made by His Imperial Majesty. Perceiving there was nothing in all these letters to alter or amplify the charge intrusted to Commander Peñalosa, save one single point, the Portuguese affair, whereof he (Le Sauch) had not heard before, he immediately sent Richart back to Madame, and waited upon, the Cardinal, in. order to announce to him that messenger's arrival, and that the letters he brought from the Emperor contained nothing new, but referred him (Le Sauch) entirely to those of Madame the Regent of France that he might conduct the pending negotiations accordingly. No change whatever was made in the said letters to the charge delivered by the Commander, and to which His Imperial Majesty was daily expecting an answer, and therefore he (Le Sauch) had nothing to add to his former declarations. He then shewed the copies of the letter which the French King had written to the Emperor, as well as the latter's answer, and the abstract which he (Le Sauch) had made of one of the articles relating to the arrival [in Spain] of the Bishop d'Anbrun (of Embrun), and first President of Paris (Selve), adding that the Emperor was decided not to treat with any of them, except in the presence of the English ambassadors, and not to conclude anything without the consent and approval of the King [of England], his brother.
	The Cardinal showed his satisfaction at this, saying that the King, his master, was well disposed to do the same towards the Emperor, and that he (the Cardinal) would certainly co-operate with all his might, notwithstanding the injurious rumours that had been spread about his person. He then asked whether he (Le Sauch) had anything more to say, and upon the Commissioner answering in the negative, as was the fact, he expressed his wonder, adding: "Since the Emperor, as you say, does not mention other particulars in his letter to you, I will not dwell upon a subject which I should otherwise have brought under discussion. Yet there are things which Peñalosa had charge to bring forward, and to which Madame's Commissioners have made no reference whatever." To which he (Le Sauch) replied that the Commissioners had told him at the time everything there really was in the instructions brought by the said Peñalosa as well as by Richart Boullengier. True it was that the Commander had other verbal instructions, but of those the Commissioners knew nothing at all, as he (Peñalosa) had not thought proper to communicate them. Very likely it was nothing very important, for otherwise he would have said something about it. The Cardinal then remarked: "And yet I cannot help thinking that you have purposely kept from me certain matters and things about which you had Madame's instructions to speak to me." The Commissioners assured him there was nothing of the sort, and that they had fulfilled to the letter every one of the Emperor and Madame's commands, without omitting anything, and they proceeded to announce to him the French King's arrival in Catalonia, at which he seemed pleased, promising to tell the King, who was then residing at Windsor.
	On the 17th Jonglet arrived, appointed by Madame to fill [Praet's] vacant place until the arrival of a new ambassador. Though old and infirm, he has accepted the charge, hoping his stay [in England] will not last long. Begs the Emperor to appoint another ambassador, if he has not done so already, or write to Madame about it, for he does not feel strong enough to make a long residence in England.
	The day after his arrival, he (Jonglet) and his colleague, (Le Sauch), waited upon the Legate at Hautencourt (Hampton Court), to inform him that they intended shortly to go to Quelfort (Guildford), where the King is now residing, for the purpose of paying their respects, and for him (Le Sauch) to take his leave. To this the Cardinal had no objection to make, and accordingly the Commissioners were conducted thither by Master More, the Secretary.
	The Commissioners were received by the King in the most cordial manner, and Jonglet having delivered the letters of credence he had from Madame—wherein the chief cause of his coming was sufficiently explained—the King appeared much pleased, and said that whenever he (Jonglet) wished to see him, he had only to announce himself, and he would be immediately admitted to his presence. After which, and with the usual compliments, both Commissioners withdrew, after he (Le Sauch) had first taken leave to return to Madame.
	On Wednesday the 25th the Commissioners received a letter from Madame, of which the enclosed is a copy, and on the following day (the 26th) both waited on the Legate, and, following their instructions, acquainted him with the truce and suspension of hostilities just concluded with France, the reasons for which they proceeded to explain in the best manner they were able to do, to the great astonishment and discontent of the Cardinal, who seemed to know nothing about it.
	After expatiating at length on the great help and assistance in money and men which the King, his master, had bestowed upon the Emperor's subjects, both in Spain and Flanders, thus enabling him to vanquish his enemy and have him at his mercy, the Legate's answer ran thus: "The treaties of Windsor stipulated that neither of the contracting parties was to conclude a truce without the consent and full approval of the other one. We have so far adhered to this that, though the King has often been solicited by the French, he has never given his consent to it. This present truce, therefore, and the mutual intercourse of trade and fishing lately agreed to, are so many infractions of the said treaties. I should never have thought that, after so many stipulations, promises and declarations made by Madame, she would have been the first to break through them."
	The Cardinal went on in this strain, saying: "Any plans and designs which the Emperor, Mons. de Bourbon, and the King, my master, may have formed in this particular matter are ruined for ever through Madame having granted this truce to our common enemy. For all of us together intended to wage war on France; Mons. de Bourbon was to go one way, the Emperor another, we ourselves meant to attack [Picardy and Normandy], and now all our plans are frustrated. In fact, I do not know how I shall be able to appease the King's anger when he hears of it, for he has always maintained that Madame was incapable of doing anything in this matter without letting him know first. The perplexity and doubt by which Madame is said to be assailed, and which have induced her to take this step, are no excuse for her acting thus; for she ought first to have consulted the King, my master, and stated her reasons, instead of deciding, as she has done, for herself, and then sending an agent to acquaint him with her resolution, which was by no means an honourable proceeding."
	Had he been consulted on the subject—as he had a right to be—seven or eight days previously, he would willingly have used his influence with the King, his master, to obtain his consent, and the existing conventions would not have been violated.
	All this the Cardinal said with seeming regret, adding that he really did not know how the King would take this infraction of the treaties by Madame. For his own part (he said) he considered His Imperial Majesty to be so constant and firm in his determinations, and so faithful to treaties, that he had not the least fear of his doing anything against the King, his master; but still the King, his master, could not fail to express his surprise and dissatisfaction.
	In answer to the above complaints, the Commissioners remarked that if the King [of England] chose, the whole of his kingdom and subjects might be comprised in the truce without any damage to them. To which the Cardinal replied: "Even that is no sufficient excuse for Madame doing what she has done without our consent; for although the truce is to be a short one, and only to comprise the Low Countries, there can be no doubt that the French will be encouraged, whilst your own army and those of the King and Mons. de Bourbon will be greatly weakened by it."
	To the Commissioners' remark that it was not likely the English would cross the Channel this season, the Cardinal replied that they had always been—and were still—ready, and that it was no fault of theirs if the enterprise had not been attempted. And when they told him that the people of Calais and Guisnes had concluded a similar truce with the inhabitants of Boulogne, he denied the fact, saying that there had never been a truce granted to or asked by them, and the proof was that many days after the people of Boulogne had of their own accord published the truce made with the Low Countries, the English had seized and captured many French vessels in the Channel, and done other warlike acts, which certainly were no sign of their having ever consented to it.
	With regard to the Scotch, the Cardinal said that the English had no truce with them, and therefore that we ought not to allow the ordinary intercourse of trade without asking for the King's consent. In short, whatever excuse they (the Commissioners) could offer—and in reality they were as numerous and plausible as the occasion required—the Cardinal went on persisting that Madame had wilfully infringed the existing treaties, and that the King could not but be displeased at it.
	Four days ago the President of Rouen (Brinon) arrived in this town, and then called upon the Legate at Richmond. Though the Commissioners happened to be there at the time, they could not hear what the conference was about. Should he (Jonglet), after the departure of his colleague (Jean de le Sauch), learn anything about it, he will make it his duty to acquaint both His Imperial Majesty and Madame thereof.—London, the last day of July 1525.
	The ambassadors were about to despatch this courier when the Legate sent a message, begging they would retain him for throe or four days more, as it was necessary to inform Madame of certain occurrences [in England]. They have complied with his request, hoping that in the letter which he (the Cardinal) is about to write to the King's ambassadors [in Spain] he will explain what has passed between him, Jean Joackin and the President of Rouen at Richmond, at a Council attended by the Duke of Norfolk, Archbishop of Canterbury and others. All are gone to-day to see the King at More, a country residence belonging to the Legate; but the Commissioners have not yet learned what the result of the conference has been. The Legate is no doubt trying to gain time, and does not send the promised letter, at which they (the Commissioners) are greatly annoyed, and so is the courier who brought this.—London, 7th of August 1525.
	Signed: "Jonglet," "Jehan de le Sauch.'
	Addressed: "A sa Majesté de l'Empereur."
	Indorsed: "Angleterre. To the Emperor. To be consulted."
	French, Original, pp. 5.
7 Aug.	161. Andrea del Burgo to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, f. 154.	Some time after his last letter was written, having obtained from the Queen Mother [Regent of France] the necessary safe-conduct to pass through her dominions, he started on his journey, but, owing to a very severe illness by which he was seized, and to other accidents on the road, he well nigh lost his life. Indeed, had it not been for the kindness and almost paternal care which this Doge took of his person, lodging him in his own palace, and treating him as if he were his own son—all owing to his fidelity and devotion to the Imperial cause—he would be by this time dead and buried. But, thanks to God the disease is now on the decline; the physicians augur well, and he himself hopes that within four or six days at the most he shall be able to leave his bed, and be consecrated bishop, soon after to prosecute his journey by sea or land. In case, however, anything should happen to prevent his departure, he will not fail to write to the Prince (Archduke Ferdinand), inquiring what is to be done with the despatches of which he is the bearer, some of them being of such importance that they could not be safely intrusted to anyone indiscriminately, whilst others might well take their chance through the post.
	Begs that a letter of thanks be written to the Doge for the very kind treatment experienced at his hands, for certainly nothing can surpass his fidelity and constant devotion to the Imperial cause.—Genoa, 7 of August 1525.
	Signed: "Andreas Burgus."
	Addressed: "Sacræ Cesareæ et Catholice Maiestati Domino meo Clementissimo."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. From Micer Andrea del Burgo, 7th of August."
	Original. Latin. p. 1.
8 Aug.	162. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, ff. 158–64.	Since the 22d of July, the date of his last letter, he has little to say, (cipher) except that negotiations between this Signory and the Pope are getting very active just now, and couriers are most frequent. On the other hand, those conducted in other quarters are not so brisk as they were formerly. It may be inferred that this is principally owing to their expecting an answer to the proposals which Casale took to England, and those which Gismundo, the secretary of Alberto di Carpi, has been charged to make in France. Neither are their negotiations with the Duke of Milan (Francesco Sforza) so active or continuous as they were some time ago. However this may be, one thing is certain, that this Signory is very much afraid of the Emperor and the French King making peace together. They are fortifying and provisioning their towns, felling trees in the immediate vicinity of such towns and castles, digging trenches and pits, and throwing all manner of obstacles in the way of an invading army. Their fears and suspicions seem to have been much increased of late, owing to their not having yet received an answer to their late proposals, which, as announced in a former despatch, consist in paying 50,000 ducats now, and promising 30,000 more in future. That they are raising money and preparing for events of some kind there can be no doubt. The Duke of Ferrara has presented them with eight galleys, fully rigged and well provided with cast-iron artillery, part of those which he (the Duke) captured some years ago in the River Pò, and as the latter is not lavish of his money, it may be inferred that his making the Venetians such a present at this time is not without mystery.
	(Common writing:) With regard to the Infante's (Archduke Ferdinand) just claims, two months after the Imperial ambassadors made the offer contained in their last despatch, the Signory answered the Archduke's agents residing in this city that they did not intend disbursing any money until the restitution [to the fuorusciti] was fairly accomplished. That they objected to the arbitration proposed in case of difference, because (they said) their case was quite clear. That although at the time they did not positively refuse to abide by the decision of a third party, they were not disposed now to submit to that condition.
	(Cipher:) It is quite evident that the Signory by this means intend only to gain time. They are either unwilling to pay the money, or waiting to see how matters will end [in France]. By which of these two motives the Venetians are influenced he (Sanchez) cannot say, but certain it is that they will not pay a quatrino until matters [in Spain] are settled to their complete satisfaction. Suspects that next year the Turk will attack some of the Emperor's dominions in Italy, most likely Sicily or Pulla (Apulia); and it might happen that the Signory, out of suspicion and fear of the Emperor's designs, would have been the principal instigators. For a principal citizen, though not a member of the Government, told him (Sanchez) the other day that war would soon break out in Italy and rage fiercer than ever, and that the only remedy, in his opinion, was the invasion by the Turk of some Christian kingdom, that the rest might unite together and sign a universal and lasting peace. He (Sanchez) thinks that, at any rate, the coasts of Sicily and Pulla (Apulia) ought to be well fortified and prepared for the emergency.
	After writing the above, he (Sanchez) has heard that the Signory have addressed certain remonstrances to the Bishop of Bayus (Bayeux), complaining that after so many protests as he had made to them, a truce had been concluded in France between the French King and the Emperor. The Bishop has excused himself in very fine words, but not in a manner to allay the fears and suspicions of these people, for they publicly say that, should war break out, they will defend their territory to the utmost, even if they had to call the Devil to their aid (fasta invocar los diablos del Infierno). They are not very well satisfied with the Pope, whom they mistrust, asserting that he had most solemnly promised them that Cardinal Salviatis should not proceed beyond Marseilles, and they hear that he has actually arrived in Spain as Legate a latere. If this last information be correct, the intrigues of the Venetians are likely to end in smoke. It would appear, moreover, that the intelligence they have from England is not very satisfactory or decisive either.
	An agent of the Duke of Bourbon has been here, in Venice, for upwards of one month trying to borrow 5,000 ducats, but although they did promise to accommodate him with that sum, nothing has yet been done in the matter.—Venice, 8 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "Alonso Sanchez."
	Addressed: "To the Sacred, Imperial and Catholic Majesty of the Emperor and King our Lord."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. From the Imperial Ambassadors in Venice, 8th of August."
	Spanish. Original partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet pp. 6½.
8 Aug.	163. Lope de Soria, Imperial Ambassador in Genoa, to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, ff. 166–7.	Wrote on the 6th by the Secretary of the Sumaria of Naples, who is well informed of the affairs [of Italy], and who left the same day in a brigantine bound for Spain, on board which were besides a secretary of the Duke of Milan and a servant of Antonio de Leyva.
	Stefano Grimaldo has just returned from a visit to his brother (Ansaldo?), who has arrived at Monego (Monaco), with orders from his brother, Joan Baptista, to pay the 24,800 ducats.
	News from France, lately arrived in this city (Genoa), state that a truce has just been concluded between His Imperial Majesty and the French King; the conditions, however, are unknown. In case of the truce being prorogued, it would be advisable to have Genoa and this coast included in it, for Andrea Doria is trying all he can to molest the Lord of Monego (Monaco), accompanying the vessels bound for that port and preventing the payment of the customary duties, greatly to the detriment of one of His Majesty's best servants in these parts, as the said Lord undoubtedly is.
	These Italian potentates persevere in their intrigues, and are only waiting for the return of Carpi's secretary, who has gone to France to see the [Queen] Regent, and of Gregory Casal, who started for England some time ago. He (Soria) hears that the Fragoso (Fregosi) are also negotiating at Rome, and very much in favour with the Datary (Giovanne Matheo Giberti).
	The death of Cardinal Viqui (Vich) turned out to be true. Micer Andrea del Burgo is likewise ill, and with little hope of recovery.
	The Duke of Bourbon is preparing for his journey to Spain. He intends to take with him some of the French galleys. The Imperial army is being concentrated, and for the present is to be quartered on the estates of the Marquis de Monferrato, at Asti and at Alexandria.
	Micer Andrea de Burgo is better. He (Soria) has just visited him, and hopes he will soon be able to undertake his journey to Spain.—Genoa, 8 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Addressed: "To the Sacred, Imperial, Catholic Majesty."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. From Lope de Soria, 8th Aug."
	Spanish. Original by duplicate, pp. 2½.
8 Aug.	164. Antonioto Adorno, Doge of Genoa, to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, f. 156.	Cannot help writing in favour and commendation of Niccolo de Grimaldi, a gentleman of that city, whose acts, he hears, have been represented by his enemies at Court as those of a man little attached to the Imperial cause. This calumnious imputation, which he (the Doge) asserts is entirely due to the malignity and envy of his rivals, has taken by surprise all the good citizens and merchants of Genoa, who cannot believe that a man of his honour and character could be guilty of such a misdemeanor. He (the Doge) has no doubt that when the affair comes to be properly investigated, the Emperor, whose tact and prudence are universally acknowledged, will find him innocent of all charges. He can vouch for the honesty, faithfulness and sincerity of the said Niccolo Grimaldi and his brothers, who, he has no doubt, will triumphantly defeat the attacks of their enemies. Begs His Imperial Majesty to have their case investigated and decided according to Law. He (the Doge) will consider this a great boon; the citizens of Genoa will receive general satisfaction thereby, and be encouraged to persevere in the Imperial service, whilst those who might have entertained doubts of the Emperor's rectitude and kindness will modify their opinion accordingly.—Genoa, 8th of August 1525.
	Signed: "Antonioto Adorno."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, Imperial, Catholic Majesty."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. From the Doge of Genoa, 8th of August."
	Italian. Original, pp. 2.
9 Aug.	165. Lope de Soria, Imperial Ambassador in Genoa, to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, f. 166.	Niccolo de Grimaldi is back in Monaco.
	The news of the truce with France has arrived; everyone in Genoa knows of it. Andrea Doria, notwithstanding, still molests Monaco.
	The Italians persist in their plots. They are only waiting for the return of Sigismondo, the secretary of Alberto di Carpi, and of Gregorio Casale, the former from France, the latter from England. The intention of these Italian Princes is to form a defensive and offensive league against the Emperor; but the more intimate the alliance the less it will serve them, when made, if the Emperor decide to chastise them.
	Has received a packet of letters from the Duke [of Sessa] to be forwarded to Spain.
	Busbaci the Papal courier. Andrea di Borgo.—Genoa, 9 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial and Catholic Majesty."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. Lope de Soria, Genoa 9th Aug."
	Spanish. Holograph. Pp. 2.
10 Aug.	166. Alonso Sanchez, Imperial Ambassador in Venice, to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, ff. 158–64.	Since his letter of the 28th ulto, has very little to advise. If it were not that couriers go very frequently between Rome and Venice, he (Sanchez) should be inclined to think, as he said in his last, that the negotiations between the Pope and the Venetians were less lively than they were. Thinks they are waiting to hear the decision of France and England; to obtain which Casale has suddenly returned to England, whilst the secretary of Alberto di Carpi, Sigismondo, has gone to Lyons.
	The Duke of Milan, who had also been in secret understanding with Rome, is said to have lately discontinued his practices. Such, at least, appears to be the case, if the information which the ambassador has received can be relied upon.
	The intelligence about the Duke of Ferrara, and his present of several galleys to this Signory, is confirmed.
	Respecting the Archduke (Ferdinand), the Venetians persist in their refusal to pay the money.
	The Bishop of Bayus has, it is said, made great offers to the Venetians if they will only join the proposed league. Nothing certain yet from England.—Venice, 8 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "Alonso Sanchez."
	Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial and Catholic Majesty of the Emperor and King our Lord."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. Alonso Sanchez, 10th Aug."
	Spanish. Holograph, partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet by Secretary Alfonso de Soria. pp. 4.
10 Aug.	167. The Same to the Same.
Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 35, f. 161.	Duplicate of the foregoing despatch, with a few lines added by way of a postscriptum respecting the claims of the Archduke on Venice.
12 Aug.	168. The Emperor to the King of England.
K. u. K. Haus- Hof- u. Staats Arch. Wien. Rep. P. C. Fasc. 223. No.	My good father and brother.—I had ordered Peñalosa to tell you what you must since have heard through your ambassadors at this my court, who have likewise delivered your message to me. My answer to them has been that no alliance in the whole of Christendom could give me more pleasure than yours, not only owing to the great friendship which has existed of old between our Royal houses, but on account of the great affection and love which you have shown me, whenever we have met together. I believe that my sentiments are well known to you, and I can assure you that my affection has not diminished in the least, but, on the contrary, is daily increasing, so as to become in time an almost indissoluble tie betwixt two brothers.
	You must know as well as I do the disasters and public calamities which this present war has brought on the Christian world at large and on the Empire in particular, and the great lack there is of appropriate remedy. To the cure of those evils it is my intention to apply myself entirely, since I am duly bound to do so; but I find one great obstacle in my way. You are aware of the great evils and disasters which my absence from these kingdoms once caused, (fn. n2) owing to my not having been able to make such provision as was needed for the government of this country. In consequence whereof my subjects are pressingly requesting me to marry a Princess who may fill my place and govern during my absence, which is, in my opinion, the only way to keep them contented, and enable me to go about freely and attend personally to my affairs. The only remedy I see for this difficulty and for many others—which to so poor a writer as myself would take too much time to describe—is to anticipate the time of my said marriage, and likewise the payment of the sums to be allotted as the Princess's dower. But as your ambassadors here have positively declared to me, in your name, that this expedient can nowise be adopted, nor the said marriage effected until the conclusion of a solid and lasting peace, I see no way to obviate the said difficulties and ward off the impending evils. I hope you will be reasonable enough to appreciate at its due value the answer I have just given to your ambassadors, and will consider it as both just and expedient in the present state of my affairs. As to the continuance of our mutual friendship, on that point there is not the least danger. I can assure you there is nothing I desire so much, being of opinion that, although the form and terms of our alliance might be altered through, my marrying in another quarter, yet our amity is to continue the same as ever, and so to be increased as to secure the mutual and lasting alliance which would have ensued from my union with the Princess, your daughter. The better to accomplish the said object and provide for our common interest, thereby promoting the welfare of Christendom at large, I propose that you and I should work together for the conclusion of a durable peace, likely to turn to our own mutual advantage and profit, so as to satisfy our consciences and discharge our duty towards God as Christian Princes; and if, through our enemy's fault, the said peace should not be made, to devise together such means as may ensure the fulfilment of our common wishes and the satisfaction of our claims.
	If, therefore, owing to the above-named reasons, I were obliged to marry [another Princess], I beg you not to take it in bad part, or suffer it to be the cause of our mutual love and affection being lessened; for I can assure you that I shall wait for your answer, and delay as much as possible the said marriage; and that when the ambassadors receive your powers and communicate your wishes to me, you will be convinced of my goodwill and desire to foster and increase our mutual amity, and to procure your welfare as much as my own. And that you may trust to the sincerity of my professions, I hereby affix my signature, as a proof of my constant wish to be for ever your good son, brother, nephew and good friend."—Charles," [Toledo], 12 August 1525.
	Addressed: "A mon bon frere le Roy d'Angleterre."
	French Original draft pp. 3.
12 Aug.	169. The Emperor to Cardinal Wolsey.
K. u. K. Haus- Hof- u. Staats Arch. Wien. Rep. P. C. Fasc. 223, f. 132.	Monsieur le Cardinal.—If I have delayed writing to you until now, it has been owing to the strange and unaccountable proceedings of the King, my good father and brother, towards me. I cannot, however, persuade myself that your intentions were otherwise than good, knowing the care and solicitude you have always shown in our mutual affairs, and therefore will not withdraw that trust and confidence I have always had in you, begging you will exert yourself to maintain and increase the friendship and affection which have hitherto existed between my good brother and myself, as you will see by the letter I have just written, and which my ambassadors have orders to place in his hands; in doing which I shall have occasion to know and appreciate your good intentions, just as you will also judge by the signature affixed, that mine are equally good and true.—Your true friend, "Charles," [Toledo], 12 of August 1525 (fn. n3)
	Addressed: "A Monseigneur le Cardinal de York, Legat en Angleterre."
	French. Original draft, p. 1.
13 Aug.	170. The Emperor to the Duke of Sessa, his Ambassador in Rome.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Muñoz, A. 33, ff. 265–8.	After the departure of Lope Hurtado, by whom he (the Emperor) wrote, the ambassador's letters of the 8th and 18th June have been received.
	The Pope is right in taking this matter of Luther so much to heart. As a Christian Prince and a protector of the Holy See, (fn. n4) he (the Emperor) is very much grieved at the spread of this evil, and quite ready to apply a remedy. Sees no better one for the present than to attend to the establishment and consolidation of universal peace, as he is now doing; and when this is achieved, devote all his attention to the extirpation of heresy. He (the Emperor) trusts that the negotiations for peace will be conducted as befits his own Imperial service and the welfare of Christianity. A truce is about to be signed, which will no doubt lead to universal peace among Christians. Madame de Lançon (D'Alençon) and Monsieur de Bourbon are soon expected here (at Toledo). Cardinal Salviati, the Legate, has arrived at Barcelona; it is to be hoped he brings full powers from His Holiness, so that there is a fair prospect of the affairs being soon settled. He (the Duke) is to tell the Pope that the Emperor is very grateful for the assistance [in money] lately sent to his brother the Archduke, and that he also intends helping him before and after the conclusion of the peace. (fn. n5)
	About His Holiness not being pleased with the manner in which the different corps of that army have been quartered, he (the Duke) is to tell him that Lope Hurtado has been sent to Italy for that express purpose, and to remove all cause of complaint on that head.
	Should His Holiness allude again to the restitution of Rezzo (Reggio) and Rubiera, held by the Duke of Ferrara, he (Sessa) is to answer him in the mildest possible terms, according to the memorandum, as well as to the copy of the Pope's brief and our answer, all of which are enclosed, assuring him of the goodwill and earnestness with which he (the Emperor) is determined to uphold the interests of the Church, as its most obedient son and protector.
	With regard to Sienna, the Emperor approves of the ambassador's plan of sending thither a governor who may set matters right. As soon as the Viceroy (Charles de Lannoy), who is now with the King of France, returns to Court, a trusty person shall be sent to that city to report on the state of things there, and remedy the evils, without, however, introducing any changes until his (the Emperor's) arrival in Italy.
	Has given strict orders to the Council of Naples to attend to the payment of the sums borrowed by the Duke. Is to report and say what he knows about the negotiations which Casal is to open at Rome, and how His Holiness takes it. As to the suspicions said to exist at Milan, they will soon cease, for orders have been issued for the deed of investiture to be drawn, a copy of which has here been delivered to the Duke's ambassador.
	Sorry to hear the Pope is in bad health.
	Church provision. The Archbishop of Capua is well deserving of all his favours. Further proofs shall be given to him that his services are very acceptable to the Emperor.
	Since the ratification of the league [with the Pope] (fn. n6) must have been received by this time, he (Sessa) is to follow in every respect M. de Bourbon's instructions and orders thereupon. He was quite right in hastening the conclusion of that affair when he did.
	The ambassadors of the King of England residing at this our court deny that the French ambassador ever went [to London], as reported, at their express desire. On the contrary, it was Madame the Regent who sent him, of her own accord, and the French themselves have spread the rumour, in order to sow dissension between us and that King. We are hesitating whom to believe; but in the meanwhile will do our utmost to preserve the friendship of England. Should the Pope make allusion to this, he (Sessa) is to assure him that such is the Emperor's decided intention. Thanks him for the information he has sent respecting the proposed Scottish marriage, the bad passions stirred up by the Cardinal of England, the news from Germany, &c.
	He (the Duke) is to procure for the Bishop of Siguença a brief similar to that which was obtained some years ago for the Archbishop of Saragossa, his uncle. The Bishop, who is now Lieutenant-General in Catalonia, has often written on the subject; and he (the Emperor) wonders how there can be so much delay in a matter of such importance for the administration of justice in that province, which cannot be attended to unless the said brief is obtained.—Toledo, 13th Aug. 1525.
	Spanish. Original draft. pp. 6½.
14 Aug.	171. Lope de Soria, Imperial Ambassador in Genoa, to the Emperor.
M. D. Pasc. d. G. Pa. r. a. l. Hist. d. Esp. Nos. 42–3.	On the 6th inst. one of the Duke of Milan's secretaries and a servant of Antonio. De Leyva left this port [for Spain]. They were followed, three days after, by the Lieutenant of the Sumaria of Naples in the carack "Monega." Every one of them took despatches of his for the Emperor.
	Nothing new to advise since those dates, except that the Imperial army is being concentrated, and will take up its quarters in Monferrato and Asti, and in the marquisate of Cevà, which are all close to each other. The Duke of Bourbon and Marquis of Pescara have sent Corradin to Germany, to raise there 4,000 infantry for the reinforcement of the Imperial army in case these Italian potentates should attempt mischief, as the negotiations between them still continue, though, in the end, it is to be hoped that they will see the folly of attempting anything against the Emperor, and will remain quiet. As the Duke of Sessa [at Rome] and Alonso Sanchez [at Venice] must already have acquainted His Imperial Majesty with these intrigues, he (Soria) has nothing to add on the subject, except that this city (Genoa) must also be attended to; not that there is any fear of the Doge, who continues to be in every respect a faithful servant of the Empire, but on account of the Fregosi, now in great favour at Rome, and to whom help has been promised to regain their position in this Signory. As the city is now almost deserted, owing to the prevailing plague; as Andrea Doria, who is so near at hand, is a friend of the Fregosi, and so great an enemy of His Imperial Majesty; as Genoa itself is divided into factions striving for power, the Imperialists are naturally afraid of some secret treaty being made whereby the Signory might be seriously damaged, for certainly if the Italian Princes decide to take up arms against the Emperor, one of the first things they will attempt will be to get possession of this city, which, with its castle and port, is such a convenience (comodidad) for the Emperor in these parts of Italy. So persuaded is the Doge of the danger in which things are, should the Fregosi attempt anything against Genoa, that he has lately increased his forces and repaired some of the defences; and it is to be hoped that these precautionary measures and the fact of the Imperial army being so near at hand, will prove a sufficient protection for the city; although, on the other hand, it must be said that the Fregosi place great reliance on the assistance of Juanin (Giovannino) de Medicis, who is not far off, residing on an estate called Lunigiana, of which he has lately taken arbitrary possession.
	Should, therefore, His Imperial Majesty make a truce or some such agreement with the French King, it will be important to have this city and its coast included in it, also to have it stipulated that Andrea Doria is not to be allowed to come down here with his galleys and harm the people of this Community and port. This last clause ought to be well specified, for Doria being himself an owner of galleys, a Genoese by birth, and an enemy of the Adorni, the French might excuse themselves by saying that what Doria undertook was not done by their order, but merely on his own account as a condotiero (capitan de ventura).
	Nicolao de Grimaldo is still at Monego (Monaco). His brother Esteban (Stefano) delays payment on the plea that both are expecting orders from their brother, Joan Baptista, in Spain. Out of the whole sum he (Soria) has received one third. He has paid to M. de Bourbon's steward (fn. n7) 3,000 cr. (escudos), and bought besides 2,500 cwt. Of biscuit for the fleet. 750 cr. (escudos) were paid to the crew of the carack "Lomellina" for one month's wages, and 300 more to the "Arca" which Andrea Doria captured. The rest of the money is in the ambassadors' hands.
	Should the Duke of Bourbon wish for one or more caracks to take his horses and luggage to Spain—as he is most likely to do—he (Soria) can at once freight as many as may be wanted, for those of this Signory happen to be now either in this port of Genoa or at Iviza and Carthagena, and in eight days' time any of them might be got ready. The Community besides has offered four more caracks, paid for two months, in case the Emperor should decide to come over [to Italy].
	Micer Andrea del Borgo is much better, and the pestilence abating.—Sestri de Poniente, 14 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Post data.—After writing the above, has heard that one of Doria's galleys chased the other day the brigantine on board of which the Duke of Milan's secretary was, and obliged her to run into port at Monego. So that either the truce has not yet been proclaimed, or, if proclaimed, is not kept. Has also heard that the galleys of Rhodes and two more of France were getting ready to take Memoransy (Montmorency) to Spain. Since these galleys of the Order and those of the Pope are to be in Spain, it would be very important to have them secured. (fn. n8) The carack "Monega," where the Lieutenant of the Sumaria went, has been obliged to put up at Naya? near Savona, on account of contrary winds.
	Addressed: "To the Sacred, Imperial and Catholic Majesty."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. Genoa. Lope de Soria, 14 Aug."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 5.
15 Aug.	172. The Duke of Sessa to the Emperor.
M. D. Pasc. d. G. Pa. r. a. l. Hist. d. Esp. No. 44.	Writes in commendation of the Bishop of Phano (Fano), the Pope's Vice-Legate at Bologna (fn. n9), who is such an affectionate servant of the Empire that he (the Duke) would do him injustice by failing to mention his many signal services. During the last war in Lombardy, he (the Bishop) governed Parma and Piacenza, where he took as much care of the Emperor's affairs and interests as if he were one of his ministers. He now sends to His Imperial Majesty one of his own servants, named Micer Raphaele, to negotiate certain matters of his at Court. He will be the bearer of this present.—Rome, 15 Aug. 1525.
	Signed: "El Duque de Sesa."
	Addressed: "To the Sacred, Imperial, Catholic Majesty."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1525. Rome. The Duke of Sessa."
	Spanish. Original. p. 1.