Henry VIII: August 1512, 1-15

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 1, 1509-1514. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1920.

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'Henry VIII: August 1512, 1-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 1, 1509-1514, (London, 1920) pp. 609-623. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol1/pp609-623 [accessed 20 April 2024]

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August 1512

1 Aug.
Exch. Accts.,
417 (6), f. 7.
R.O.
1317. ARMY AGAINST SCOTLAND.
Warrant to the Great Wardrobe to deliver the Earl of Surrey, treasurer and marshal of England "and lieutenant of our army now to be sent Northwards," "one banner of the cross of Saint George, one standard of the red dragon and four banners of our arms for four trumpets." Portsmouth,. 1 Aug. 4 Hen. VIII.
1 Aug. 1318. HENRY VIII. to MAXIMILIAN.
See No. 1215.
1 Aug.
Vesp. C. I., 76.
B.M.
1319. [3350.] THE DUKE OF ALVA to [the MARQUIS OF DORSET].
Has received his letters. Is rejoiced to hear of his and the army's safety. The good success in Navarre is to be attributed to God and the good fortune of his master the Catholic King, who is as desirous as himself to form a junction with Dorset. Would have come to him long ago, but for the necessity of pacifying Navarre, and not leaving an enemy at his back. Hopes this object will soon be attained, when he will appoint a day to go to him. From the camp at Pampeluna, 1 Aug.
Latin.
Added in [Alva's] own hand:—"Porque no pyense vuestra señorya que no ay otro Latyno syno vuestro secretaryo os escryvo en Latyn y maldyta la palabra que yo entyendo de cuanto a qy va syno se que soy vuestre servidor y que deseo estar ya junto con vuestra señorya mas que la vyda y quedo a servycjo de vuestra señorya.
"Yo el Duque de Alva."
Pp. 2. Begins: "Illustrissime dux."
2 Aug.
Vesp. C. I., 77.
B.M.
1320. [3352.] FERDINAND OF ARAGON to MARQUIS OF DORSET.
Had received his letter, and heard all news by Richmond herald. Dorset's stay "there" with the army was quite providential, as the French did not dare enter Navarre lest Dorset should invade in their absence. Approves Dorset's wise answer to the messenger of the King and Queen of Navarre. As to Dorset's complaint of Ferdinand's not letting him know how matters went, he wrote as soon as he took the first thing of importance (viz. Pamplona) and afterwards on learning that the Duke of Alva, his Captain General, had agreed (tomo assiento) with the King of Navarre for the surrender of his kingdom. Both letters were sent through Alva, who was to enlarge upon them; and they told Dorset that, now the way was open, both his and Alva's armies should unite, and invade Guienne from the most advantageous side. Probably Alva had detained these letters, wishing to see first how far the King of Navarre would act up to his agreement (assiento) and how a conjoint invasion of Guienne was practicable. The substance of the assiento drawn up between Alva and the King of Navarre is that the whole dispute with the said King and Queen is entirely at Ferdinand's disposal, and, as a pledge of his sincerity, he should deliver to Alva the fortresses San Juan de Pie del Puerto and Maya; which Alva at once sent to receive. By virtue of this capitulation Ferdinand had issued a declaration, of which he encloses a copy to Dorset and has sent another to Alva, commanding it to be put in execution. Of the fulfilment Alva assures him there is little doubt, as the same reasons which made the King of Navarre enter into the assiento will make him keep it; viz., his inability to do otherwise; and that seeing the surrender inevitable, he wished to make out he did so voluntarily in order that Ferdinand may be more willing to reinstate him in case the Guienne expedition prove successful, which, if the said capitulation is fulfilled, ought not to be delayed for a moment. If the King of Navarre play false, the fortresses of San Juan and Maya being already occupied, Alva's orders are to seize Lumbierre, which is the other passage from that kingdom to France, and then Ferdinand himself will see to all other affairs of Navarre; so that in neither case will Alva and Dorset be prevented from uniting to invade Guienne. Is as anxious as the King of England himself to see the latter in possession of his duchy of Guienne. Begs credit for Richmond. Dorset and his knights should be merry, as, by the help of God and the justice of their cause, they would assuredly prove victorious. Burgos, 2 Aug. 1512. Signed: "Yo el Rey." Countersigned: "Almaçan, sec'tus."
Span., pp. 4. Add.: [Al] Marquis Dorset [illustrissi]mo Capitan General [del se]renissimo Rey de In[glatier]ra nuestro muy caro y[a]mado fijo.
3 Aug.
Sanuto, XIV.,
596.
1321. VENICE.
[Note of letters read 19 Aug. 1512.]
From Lorenzo Pasqualigo to Alvise and Francesco, his brothers, London, 3 Aug.—News of an attack on Navarre. This King is arming all ships he can get, from 80 tons upwards. The largest will be the Sovereign ("la Soprana"), of 2,600 butts. This will make 60 ships besides the first fleet and besides 30 Biscayan ships which are hourly expected. Other 20,000 men will then be embarked for a descent in Normandy or Brittany. The Emperor, at Cologne, despatched Maximilian Sforza to Milan. Returning himself towards Antwerp, the Emperor was nearly taken by men of Gueldres who captured his master of household. In his indignation he has sworn not to leave these countries until he has destroyed the Duke of Gueldres. France is said to be preparing a fleet; but it dare not leave port. In the Mar de Lione Provençal corsairs have taken three or four barques bound westward. A Portuguese ship taken. At Cadiz 40 ships are detained for the King of Spain. Malmseys from Candia would sell well. The troops for Calais are ready and it is not known why they do not cross. The King sent 10,000l. to the Emperor who is raising men against Gueldres. Bearer is despatched by the King to Rome in great haste.
Italian. See Venetian Calendar, II, No. 186.
3 Aug.
Galba B. III., 38. B.M.
1322. [3353.] [YOUNG, BOLEYN and WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.]
Wrote last on the 24th. Spinelly wrote news about the 27th, but they had nothing to send, and now only write to avoid being thought remiss. They can obtain no commission from the Emperor; but are in hopes things will come to good effect, as the Emperor has so far entered in Italy, and Milan especially, against the French King that he cannot in honour retreat.
On the 30th, the Deputy of Calais and Mr. Lovell, sent them a letter about the behaviour of the French on the borders, requesting them to advertise my Lady of it. A gentleman, named Morbecke, Baily of Cassells, a true Burgundian, is appointed to the governorship of Borboroughe, which the French intended to steal. If he favours the French, my Lady will leave the appointment of any subject of the Prince to Mr. Deputy and Mr. Lovell.
Have heard from the same parties that Hob a Barton was at Camfer, to obtain "a galley for his surety a[s often] as it should fortune him to resort to those parts." My Lady has written to the governors of the ports to arrest him. Yesterday, the Provost of Cassells, who is to be sent to England for redress of wrongs done at sea to the Prince of Castile's subjects, visited them, and cheered them with promises of success. He stated "that two merchants called importunately on him for the payment of three thousand pounds, to be paid to Hopelyn's heirs by reason of bills signed by the hands of blessed memory our master that lately was." Replied they had no authority in the matter. He shewed them the bills—"one on paper written when he was by ... in those parts, his name subscribed"; another written in parchment, when he was King of England, "signed with such [a] sign that is to us unknown." They advised him to carry them to Mr. Lovell, at Calais.
Yesterday, my Lady sent her secretary with news from the Emperor of the sending of the Duke of Milan into Italy, which they enclose, with another from herself to the Deputy of Calais and Mr. Lovell, and a third from Louis Mareton to Wingfield. Spinelly writes the news. Mr. Gernyngham, on Saturday last, presented the hackney to the Prince of Castile. Brussells, 3 Aug.
Mutilated, pp. 4. From a letter book.
4 Aug.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 5, f. 12. R.O.
1323. [4388.] T. [RUTHAL] BP. OF DURHAM to WOLSEY.
Thanks him for his letter, which he received, 20 miles out of London, on his journey towards Wolsey. For the more speedy conveyance of the King's letters to the King of Scots and the Lord Dacre, and in order to "speak with my Lord Treasurer before his departing Northwards," returned to London and ordered such things as are necessary for the defence of Norham. Hears it is in good case. Sent to his constable there 200 sheaf of arrows and 100 bows. Will take his journey to-morrow to Wolsey. Thanks him for the directions taken for the defence of the realm against Scotland. Hears that a servant of my Lord Marquis has come to the Court with news. Encloses a letter from my Lord Treasurer. London, 4 Aug.
Hol., p. 1. Addressed: "[To] Master Almoner this be [del]ivered at Portismouthe with the King's grace."
4 Aug.
Adv. MS., 356.
1324. JAMES IV. to FREDERIC DUKE OF HOLSTEIN.
Complaining of the depredations of his subject Benedict Winflet, who took two ships of David Gurlaw and Edw. Cokburn of Disert and Leith, and carried them to Hamburg. Edinburgh, 4 Aug.
Lat., copy, p. 1.
R. MS., 13 B. II., 71. (No. 198.) B.M.
Ep. Reg. Scot., I., 152.
1325. [3627.] JAMES IV. to the GOVERNORS OF HAMBURG.
Complains that Benedict Winflet, a subject of the Duke of Holstein, in their service, captured two merchant vessels of David Gourlaw and Edw. Cockburn, of Dysart and Leith, in April of this year.
Lat., copy, p. 1.
Adv. MS., 364. 2. Another copy.
Pp. 2.
5 Aug.
Vesp. C. I., 65. B.M.
1326. [3355.] JOHN STILE to HENRY VIII. (In cipher.)
On the fyveyth day of Awgust, yn Fowntraby.
Pleseyth yowr hyzghnys for to understand that my Lorde Markes and al other lordys and jantylmen here of yowr royal armey be yn bodely helthe, Almyzghty God be thankeyd, and so be al yowr other subjectys here, yn supstance; how be that, Severayn Lord, thay be not contenteyd yn thayr hartys and myndys, for that they have and do lye so long styl here wythe oute doyng any thynge to the purpose of thenterpryse of Ghyayne, acordeyng to the apoyntament made bytwyxt your grace and the Kyng yowr good fader. To the whyche effecte and purpose yowr sayd levetenant and hole armey alwayys have byn and be redy, acordeyng to yowr most royalyst ynstruxcyons. And as by other my sundry letters byfore thys y have certefyed un to yowr hyzghnys, that the Kyng yowr good fader's armey, the whyche schuld have joynyd wythe yowr armey here, was not nor hathe not byn asemblyd nor redy un to now of late; of the whyche defalte the Kyng yowr good fader exscuseythe hym self by the Kyng of Navar, sayeyng that he trustyd by fayre meanys and treatys for to have had a good and sure amyte for yowr grace and hym wythe the Kyng of Navar, and that at lengythe hys hyzghnys hathe persayveyd and fowned that the Kyng of Navar hathe dysemulyd wyth pasynge the tyme wyth wordys of dyssayte, by the dryfte of the Frensche Kyng, to thentent that when the Kyng yowr good fader's armey and yowrs had layde seage to the cety of Bayon, that the Navars myzghte wythe theyr powers cum on the backehalfe of yowr armeys, and do to theym dysplesures. And, for the exchuyng and avoydeyng of that danger, the Kyng yowr good faders sayeyng ys and hathe byn that ynno wyse he cannot a joyne hys armey wythe yowrs here, and for to goe strayzghte to Bayon acordeyng to the apoyntamente, un to the tyme that he have subduyd the King of Navar and schal have put that ream yn a suerty.
And as by my other letters byfore thys y certefyed unto yowr grace that the Kyng yowr good fader had wretyn unto my Lord Markes, yowr levetenant, desyreyng hym that he, wythe yowr armey, wold returne bacward towardys Castyl, and for to ajoyne wythe hys armey, so that bothe your armey and hys joyntly myzghte enter ynto Navar, and for to take the ream perforce, yn case that the kyng of Navar wold not put yn a swerty for to be yn amyte wythe yowr hyzghnysys; the whych yowr levetenant and cownsayle of yowr armey refuseyd so for to do for dyvers causys and consydoracyons. Oon, and hyt plese yowr grace, that they haveyng no suche enconmandament of yowr grace other than for thenterpryse of Ghyayn; another was, that dayly thay sawe the Frenschemen thayre ennemyes yn syzghte, for the whyche, yn case that thay schwld twrne backe from thayre sayd enymyes, hyt myzghte be reputeyd cowardy; and the thyrd, hyt ys not possybyl that any ordynace, vytualys, or other carryagys by cartys may pas or be convayeyd that waye, notwythestandeyng that the Kyng yowr good fader dyd cost and many men were set and wrowghte for to amend the sayd wayes, the whyche be so tedyus and long that hyt ys not possybyl to be don wythe oute grete layser. Upon the whyche the Kyng yowr good fader sent hys letters unto my Lord Markes, yowr levetenant, syngnyfyeng wn to hym and to yowr armey here that he thowzghte that hyt schuld be wel don that yowr armey schuld lye styl, and not for to remove, onles that they schuld have other yn conmandament from yowr hyzghnys yn the mayne tyme, and that your subjectys schuld not stragel nor put theym selfe yn danger of theyr enymyes un to the tyme that yowr armey and hys schalbe ajoynyd; sayeynge that the Duke of Alva, hys levetenant, wyth hys armey schuld ynmediately go yn to Navar, and, for to put that ream in a swerty; and that don, forthewythe the sayd hys armey schuld ajoyne wythe yowr armey, and so then by the grace of God bothe armeys jointly for to go to Bayon.
And thys letter was wretyn in Burgus, and asyneyd by the Kyng yowr good fader on the nynetyn day of July that last past. And on the oon and twenty day of the same the Duke de Alva wythe the armey of Spayne removyd from the cety of Vyctorya towardys Navar, and so the next day foloyng enteryd yn to the sayd reame wythe oute contradyxcyon or let. And on the fyve and twenty day of the same the Duke wythe that armey cam to the cety of Pamplona, cheyf of that ream, where they sayd Duke was receyveyd by the hole cety, and the keys of the cety delyverd un[to] hym. The Kyng and Qwyn of Navar wythe theyr chylder were thre or fowr days byfore that removeyd and departeyd from Pamplona, the Kyng to a toune sevyn legys from thens callyd Alumberry, and the Qwyn wythe hyr chylder to hyr cuntray of Byerne. And hyt plese yowr grace that, for as muche as that the Kyng yowr good fader nor the Duke of Alva wrate no letters un to my Lord Markes, yowr levetenant, nor to me, after hys letter, of the nyntyn day of July, and therefor my Lord Markes and y sent everyche of us a man wythe my Lordys letters and myn un to the Kyng yowr good fader, beyng at Burgus, and to the Duke, beyng at Pamplona, desyreyng that they wold plese for to geve knowlyche unto my Lord Markes and yowr royal armey of the good spede that the sayd Duke hathe had yn Navar, and when that your army and that armey of Spayne schal by Godys grace mete. And on the secund and thyrd day of thys present, the messengers that my Lord and I sent unto the Duke returnyd ayen wythe letters from the sayd Duke, yn the whyche he makeythe no mensyon of the day ne tyme when that yowr armey and thay schal mete, other then that he trusteythe for to have don schortely yn Navar, and so then for to ajoyne wythe yowr armey yn Ghyayne. Yn lyke wyse, and hyt plese yowr grace, Rycheamonte yowr herrawt was sent by my lord Markes un to the Kyng yowr good fader wythe a letter that y wrate by the conmandament of my Lord Markes and the lordys and cownsayle of yowr sayd armey; the whyche yowr sayd herrawlt as yeterday returneyd ayen unto yowr sayd armey wythe a large letter of answer from the Kyng yowr good fader, and also wythe the copy of yowr sayd fader's mynd and wyl that hys Majesty wyl schalbe don and apoynted wythe the Kyng and Qwyn of Navar tucheyng that ream of Navar; wythe the whyche letter and answer of the Kyng yowr good fader the lordys and counsayle of yowr armey, nor the comunys, be nother contentyd ne plesyd, by cawse that the Kyng yowr good fader nor the Duke have not, by theyr letters, appointeyd no day certayne when that yowr armey schal set forthewardys for to ajoyne wyth the Kyng yowr good fader's armey yn Ghyayne; for, and hyt plese yowr grace, hyt greveythe yowr subjectys verry sore that they do ly styl here, and no do thyng, but lese the tyme and spend yowr tresore, and wynter and long nyzghtys be cum nere hand, that then men maye not lye yn the fyld as contynwally thay have don sythe thayre arryval ynto thys partys of Spayne, and vytualys some what dere, a lofe of the bygnys of yowr corte bred ys worthe here a peny sterlynge, and a gallon of malmasaye ten pens sterlynge, a galon of wyne secke and suche other hote wynys, at ayzghte pens sterlyngys, a galon of Rochel wyne at syx pens, a good muttun the carkas at thre schelyngys, lytel more or les, after that hyt wayeythe at a blanke an unce, that ys fowrtyn uncys for a peny sterlyng; a good ox ys worthe syx or sevyn docattys of gold. Yowr peny sterlyng here is worthe sevyn marvadyys, after ayzghte and twenty marvadys yowr grote; the whyche now, and hyt plese yowr grace, be wel knowen yn thys cuntraye; a fanege of barley ys worthe thre and twenty pens sterlyng, whych is a sore pryce.
Your sawldyers amongys theym saye that, for the derthe of vytualys, thay may not lyve wythe yowr waygys of syx pens of the day; and therefore y understand, and hyt plese yowr grace, by the lordys and cappytayns, that they desyre for to have ayzghte pens by the day, everry sauldyer, sayeyng that thayre clotheyng ys wasteyd and worne, and thayre money spent, and that therefore longer then hens to Myzghelmes next for no man thay wyl not a byde here. Verrely, soverayn Lord, hether unto thay have byn wel ruleyd, as for so grete an oste, and they have had as good and plenty of vytualys, after the furst thre or fowre dayes after thayre landeyng, as myzghte be possybyl yn any parte where so muche pepyl myzghte make so long abode, how be that hyt ys some what dere at the pryceys as byfore specefyed. And hyt plese yowr grace, the greteyst lacke of vytualys that ys here ys of bere, for yowr subjectys had lyver for to drynke bere then wyne or sydere, for the hote wynys dothe burne theym, and the syder dothe cast theym yn dysese and sekenysys.
And hyt plese yowr grace by the conmandament of my Lord Markes, and the cownsayle of thys yowr armey, here wythe y do send unto yowr hyzghnys the letters that the Kyng yowr good fader and the Duke of Alva sent now of late unto my Lord Markes yowr lyvetenant, to thentent that yowr grace by yowr most excelente wysdome and yowr most nobyl cownsayle may determyne and juge what ys to be thowzghte that the Kyng yowr good fader entendythe for to do, conserneyng yowr enterpryse of Ghyayne, for the onure and profyte of yowr hyzghnys; for as for the lordys and other of yowr armey here have lytel trust that the Kynge yowr good fader entendythe any other then hys awne profyte, sythe that he hathe not hether unto performeyd any promyse or apoyntement wythe yowr grace made, nother by the ze nor by land.
Verryly, soverayn Lord, the comeyng and beynge of yowr armey here was and ys the cause that the Frenschemen forsoke and lefte the Ytaly, the whyche nowe the Pope and themperowr peasabylly do enjoye, and that the Kyng yowr good fader hathe asureyd to hym the ream of Napullys and Cecylya, and now also the ream of Navar, as here after folowth the artykelys made by the Kyng yowr good faders mynd and plesur, that the Kyng and Qwyn of Navar schalbe bownden unto, sythe that they have for saken theyr ream, levyng the same at the Kyng yowr good faders wyl and plesure. The King yowr good fader sayeyng this:
"We, the Kyng of Arragon, of bothe Cycelyas and of Jerusalem etcetra, sythe that the sayd Kyng and Qwyn of Navar, our nevewys, have releceyd the sayd ream to be at yowr wyl and plesure, we thynke hyt nescessary that althe cetys, townys, and fortaresys of the sayd ream schalbe yn owr poscessyon, and al the subjectys of the same under owr subjeccyon and obedyence, unto the tyme that we and owre confederatys schal have by the grace of God endeyd the enterpryse by us taken in the defence of the Holy Churche, and to the dysstruxcyon of the Sysmatykys, and to the onor of al Crystendom; and after that don the sayd ream for to remayn yn owr handys at owr pleasure, for to kepe or geve unto the sayd Kyng and Qwyn, owr neveuys, yn case that they do observe and kepe suche thyngys as that they schalbe bownden unto; that ys, that the natwralys of the sayd ream of Navar schalbe bownden for [to] abbaye us and owr conmandamentys as the keper of the crowne of that ream; and he or that that yn anny wyse do contrary to the same schalbe taken as traytorys, and fal yn lyke paynaltys as thos that go or be ayeynst the Crowne Royal. Also declareyng owr sayd wyl by the vertu of the sayd capytwlacyons, and saye that owr wyl ys that the sayd Kyng and Qwyn of Navar schal forthewythe send unto the Marschal of Navar and unto the Cunde of Santy Stevan, and to Don John de Beamonte and to hys sons in the ream of Navar, conmandeyng theym that thay do abyde and dwel styl in Navar; to thentent that they go not towardys the partys of France, where they myzghte be constraynyd for to serve and helpe the Sysmatykys ayenyst thys Holy Lyage. Also that the sayd Kyng and Qwyn, our nevewys, schalbe bownden for to suffer al the naturalys Navarrys that now dwel yn the partyys of France, and wyl now com and dwel yn Navar, that they schal suffer them so for to do. More over declareyng our wyl, by the vertue of the sayd Capytulacyons, that the said Kyng and Qwyn, owr nevewys, haveynge the prynce theyr son yn the partyys of France, by the waye of colore of maryage or otherwyse, the sayd Prynce myzghte be put yn the Frensche Kyngys handys; therefore we wol that the sayd Kyng and Qwyn, owr neveuys, schal delyver unto us the sayd Prynce, and he for to [be] browzghte up yn owr corte, un to the tyme that by the grace of Almyzghty God al thyngys schalbe fynysschyd twcheyng the sayd enterpryse. Also that the sayd Kyng and Qwyn owr nevewys shalbe bownden that they schal not consent ne swffer by any maner of mean that by theyr lordschyp of Byerne that any maner of war or hurte may be don unto owr ream of Arragon, nor for to suffer any of owr ennymyys for to pas that waye for to do hwrte to owr sayd ream. And for that hyt schalbe manyfest unto al pepyl that thys ys owr wyl as above sayde, we have conmandyd thys presentys to be made and synyd wythe owre hand and selyd wyth owr seal. Date yn the cety of Burgus on the oon and threty day of July the yere of owr Lord Jhu Xpo a thowsand fyve hunderd and twelve."
And hyt plese yowr grace thys day y am cum hether to Sant Sebastyans, where y have hyreyd a pynas of syx and twenty tunys, the whyche ys callyd verry good wythe sayle and orys, to whom y have gevyn fourescore and syxtyn docatys of gold for thys vyage, by Godys Grace, for to convay yowr bojet wythe letters from hens to yowr postys and towne of Plymowthe, and there for to tary fyvetyn days for the answer of yowr hyzghnys.
And hyt plese yowr grace, as tucheyng to the Kyng yowr good fader and hys cownsayle, as ever byfore thys acordeyng to the trawthey have certefyed unto yowr grace that thayr wordys and wryteyngys be so delygent and so fayre, and thayr dedys so inmesureabyl sclacke, that y cannot juge, saye, ne wryte what that ys to be thowzghte or don; and contynwaly y do wryte acordynge to the conmandament of yowr grace to the Kyng yowr good fader; and always his Majesty by hys letters answerythe that he wyl performe everry thyng unto yowr grace, and that all the delayys of tyme hathe byn for the best avantage for yowr enterpryse of Ghyayne, that Navar schuld be furst put yn a suerty; the whyche suerty cowld not be had otherwys then hyt is nowe had. And of a swerty, Soverren Lord, at my last beyng wythe the Kynge yowr good fader y was so playne with hys hyzghnys that I never saw hys Majesty farther oute of pacyence then wythe me at that tyme, sayeyng that y belyeyd not him, his Majesty affyrmeyng wythe many otheys that al hys dryfte and entent was for the swerty and weal of the Holy Churche, and for yowr enterpryse of Ghyayn. And yn case, Soverrayn Lord, that thentent or pwrpose of his Majesty be otherwyse, hyt ys hard for to trust the otheys and wordys of a prynce or any other Crysten man, that so swereythe or sayeythe. Hyt ys evydently seyn and knowen that by hys polocy and longe dryftys he attayneythe many thyngys to other mens payneys. And as for horsemen, at that tyme hys hyzghnys wold not grante for to send any to yowr armey, unto that yowr armey and hys schal ajoyne to gethers, sayeyng that yowr hyznys and he schal not varry for the payment of the horsemen desyreyd by yowr grace. Verrely, Sovereyn Lord, had your armey had the horsemen, Bayon and the cuntraye there aboute had byn gotten or put yn a grete dysstres by thys day, whyche ys verry strong by the reson of fortefyeng and men. How be that they of Bayon do never usswe owte for to scyrmyssche wythe yowr subjectys that often go ynto that partyys. And as a spye that was taken thys other day sayde that Monser de Burbone was comyyng to Bayon, and that there be nyne or ten thousand men all redy yn Bayon, and syx hwnderd horsys, good [or] bad, and that the Frensche Kyng had conmandyd theym for to kepe the sayd cety to the next monythe schal be pasyd, for then he douteythe not but that the Ynglyche men wyl leve al and go home. The Kyng yowr good fader hathe by the mean of a pryst a secrete entellegens wythe the bysschopys of Bayon and of Ortyse, and wythe Monser de Egramonte, mayre of Bayon, and wythe a wodowe, dowzghter yn lawe to Monser de Egramont, and sche ruleythe hyr sayd fader yn lawe. The sayd pryst and another man have promysyd to me for to do grete servyse to yowr grace yn that mate[r].
The Kyng yowr good fader's armey now beyng yn Navar be numbryd twenty thowsand men and above, of the whyche be above syx thowsand horsmen; and y have seyn a letter that a supstancyal man of that armey secretely wrate unto a frynd of hys, that the armey of the Kyng yowr good fader schal cum forthe of Navar by Sant John Pe del Puerto, and enter yn Ghyayn bytwyxt Bayon and Sant John de Luce, and so pas by Bayon joyntly wythe yowr armey bytwyxt Bayon and Navar, and so go to Ax, and strayzghte to Burdyews, and to let Bayon alone bycause hyt is so fortefyed, the whych of force must yeld hymself when that the cuntray al abowte ys for yowr grace. Soveren Lord, whether that hyt be so apoyntyd or not, my Lord Markes, nor other of yowr armey, nor I, have no suche knowlyche other then by that letter, and the sayeyng of another man.
Of the Kyng yowr good faders artalary, whensover that they wyl remove y trust that yowr armay schal be redy. And hyt plese yowr grace, bycause that the Kyng yowr good fader's tresorer performeyd not yn tyme for to delyver to me money for to bye a hundard and forty moylys for the carryaje of yowr artalary, the sayd moylys beyng bowzghte, y was fayne for [to] leve a grete parte of them, and browzghte to Fowntraby, and there delyverd to Syr Harry Wylloby, master of yowr ordynance, thre score and fyvetyn moylys and oon hunderd oxen wyth theyr yockys for the caryage of yowr sayd artalary, for oxen ys les losys yn, and les charge for to kepe. Also y have alredy delyverd to yowr sayd maste[r] of ordynance above ayzghte hundred schot of yron stonys, and dayly mo be en makeyng to the number of twoosand (fn. 1) fully. Also y delyverd to the sayd master of yowr ordynance two moldys of coper and a mold of yron for yowr pellettes of led, and my servant ys ryden to Medyna del Campo and to Burgus for to cave fyve and twenty kyntallys of brymstone that y have bowzghte, for to be browzghte to Fowntraby; for now of late the Kyng yowr good fader, wythe myche callying and often wryteyng, hathe grantyd that y schal have here delyverd to me twoo hwndard kyntallys of salte peter; the whyche, and hyt plese yowr grace, cam hether to the porte of the Passage yesterday from Cadys. And the Bysschop of Segwence, the Kyngys deputy here, hathe promyseyd that there schal lacke no hyreyd carryageys when that yowr armey schal remove. Yowr grete cerpentyn ys al broken in to pecys, and to morne the mettel schal be tryeyd, and nyne kyntalys of coper more ys provydeyd for the same. Of a suerty, Sovereyn Lord, thys Almayne of yowr armey hathe dade the goolyyst mold that hathe byn seyn, and on the sevynthe or nyneythe day of thys present, by Godys grace schal be made, and muche better than sche was before tyme.
And hyt plese yowr grace, acordeyng to yowr hyzghe conmandament y have receveyd of the tresorer of yowr warrys the money that y payde for the frayzghte of the last barke that y sent, as wel as for thys. Besecheyng yowr hyzghnys, yn the most humyl wyse that y can or may, that y may have the knawlyche of yowr most gracyust plesure how that y schal order myself, other for to repayre unto yowr royalyst presence, or for to make myne abode yn Fowntraby or els where, or els for to goe forthe wythe yowr armey, as the desyre of my Lord Markes and other lordys here ys. For the whyche, and hyt plese yowr grace, y and my servantys be no thyng provydeyd, nor cannot be wyth owte grete cost; and y am contynualy at grete charge wythe rydeyng and goying, my self and my servantys, for everry thyng. The whyche yn most humyld wyse y beseche yowr grace that to me hyt may be remembryd, and that y may be ynmedyatly, by the conmandament of yowr hyzghnys, be socurryd wythe money, for my dayly exspencys of ten schelyngys by the day by yowr grace to me apoyntyd, begynynge on the oon and twenty day of Jenyver that last past, of the whyche then by the conmandament of yowr hyzghnys y receveyed oon hunder powndys. Peraventure, Soveren Lord, yowr grace wold not belyve the payne that y suffer here yn the servyse of yowr grace for to plese yowr subjectys, men that can suffer no pacyence, as here after at my comeyng unto yowr royal presence y schal schaw hyt to yowr hyzghnys and yowr nobyl cownsayle.
The Kyng yowr good faders armey by the ze be at the porte of Allaredy; and al redy, as they saye, for to pas towardys yowr cost of Yngland for [to] ajoyne wythe yowr armey there. On the coste of Portyngale and of Galysya there be dyverse Frensche men of war, oon capytayn Barnaldyno, knyzghte of the Rodys, and Perys Mogher, the whyche of late, and thys weke passyd, have taken nyne or ten schyppys bownd towardys the Andolosya, and oon towardys Lyxborne wythe grete ankers, for the Kyng of Portyngale. And here be grete crackys yn thys partys and sclack dedys, as knowythe Almyzghty God, who perserve yowr royalyst astate long for to endure; and everry man here ys desyrws for to have tydeyngys from yowr hyzghnys, for y nor they had but oons wryteyng from yowr grace, sythe the aryval of yowr armey here.
Wretyn yn Sant Sebastyans, the day above sayd by the most humyl servant to yowr grace,
JOHN STYLE.
Stile's mark.
Entirely in cipher.
5 Aug.
Vesp. C. I., 79. B.M.
Ellis, 2 S. I., 188.
1327. [3356.] KNIGHT to WOLSEY.
The English army is still beside Fontarabia. The Spaniards have taken Navarre; the King and Queen have fled into Bierne. The Spaniards promise to join the English for the enterprise of Guienne. The King of Aragon always declared they could not succeed in Guienne without being sure of Navarre, and "sware as largely as any nobleman might that all that he did attempt or imagine was for the furtherance of our enterprise." He had tried to gain over the Archbishop of Burdeos, brother to Mons. de Kendall, one of the noblest of Gascoigne, and, as Ferdinand says, more inclined to Henry than the French King; and also "sent the prior of Sancti Spiritus beside the port of St. Adrian" into Guienne with bulls of indulgence, and induced the Bishops of Bayone and Acus to command all confessors to show their "ghostly children" that the Pope has assoiled them of their allegiance to the French King, advising them to recognise the King of England as their sovereign. These bishops have desired the Pope's ambassador to intercede for them that they may not be deprived of their benefices; but Knight thinks, if the English gain the country, the King had better appoint such as he can trust, especially to Bayone, though it be small in value, not passing 1,000 ducats, and hereafter shall be worth less because the army has destroyed the country "both contrary to our statutes and hindrance to our voyage." The army is idle; a large band has refused to serve longer under 8d. a day. The mutiny was pacified; but one man suffered death. Many bands now declare they will go home at Michaelmas, if they should die for it. All this comes from inaction. Martial exercises are not kept up. The army is "unlearned, and hath not seen the feats of war." They never muster for payment. Many are slain; others have died; some have deserted. They neglect their instructions, and "many of our council may suffer no counsel."
Begs Wolsey to obtain his recal, but without making his request known, as it might cost him his life. He is held in great suspicion here. Is suspected because when divers had spoken against Wolsey, he answered them as far as he durst; and they have seen also that the King has sent him a letter. Desires to know, by his servant, Wolsey's pleasure, which must be conveyed with care. They look into other men's letters. John Style will confirm his statement. Has incurred great expense, having been both with the King of Navarre and the King of Castile. Desires to be excused for not writing to my Lord of Winchester. Letters from the King of Aragon state that the King of Navarre has offered himself to abide by such bonds as he requires. His demands are to have all the towns, castle, and full government of Navarre till Gascony and Guienne be conquered; to have restitution of the lands formerly "withholden" from the Lord Marshal of Navarre, namely, from the Earl of St. Stephens, and the Lord John Beaumont; that the Prince of Navarre be delivered as hostage to the King of Aragon; and that if the King of Navarre do anything against the realm of Aragon, he shall confess himself guilty of treason. If he agree to these terms, the English will go immediately to Bayonne. If not, when the Duke (of Alva) has taken Allambure, Maya, and St. John au Pie de la Porte, they will join him. John Style is writing many things very plainly at this time, which are important. Fontarabia, 5 Aug.
Hol., pp. 4. Add.: "To the right honourable Mr. Thomas Wolcy, [a]lmoner to the [King's] Grace of [En]gland."
6 Aug.
Navy Records Soc., x., 43.
1328. FRANCE.
Louis XII.'s prohibition of exports from Britanny and elsewhere, in view of similar prohibitions made in Castile, Aragon and Portugal; and in England of exports without the King's licence. Blois, 6 Aug. 1512.
French. From a MS. in Arch. Gironde.
7 Aug.
Calig. B. VII., 218. B.M.
1329. [3359.] THOMAS LORD DARCY to [HENRY VIII.].
Has received the King's letter dated Portsmouth, 1 August, desiring him to obtain information respecting the putting to sea of the King of Scots, and also to keep secret the matter mentioned in the schedule inclosed in his (Darcy's) letter of 27 July, to which only Mr. Vulcy (Wolsey) was as yet privy. Took his spy apart with Mr. Porter of Berwick, and received his oath that the news was true; that the King of Scots intended to have with him the Bishop of Murray and other lords; that there were not six persons in Scotland privy to it. Believes the informant, knowing him to be very familiar with the King of Scots. He and the other spies agree that the King of Scots cannot have 20 ships of his own, and not so many unless Brownhill and Barton come home. Four of them, viz. the great new ship called the Mitchell, the Margaret, the James, and a new barque, are above 300 tons, two or three of 100, the rest not 80 tons each. Before the King of Scots puts to sea, he will be sure that the French army is either upon the coast between Dover and Berwick or has landed in England. By the new confederation ten French ships should help to convoy the King of Scots. Upon the Scots being informed of the French fleet as above they will invade the marches. They continue their musters. If anything befal the French, the Scots will keep the peace. His spy is a priest, and is sworn, his hand upon his breast. Has promised to get him promotion. Recommends that he should be put in comfort of getting an archdeaconry. Having put Berwick in good condition, leaves his son there with as efficient officers as it has had for 30 winters, and leaves his spy to communicate with Mr. Porter. Goes himself to take the muster of his tenants in Yorkshire, according to the King's letters received, within 20 days past, from his fellow, Mortimer. Is glad the King confides in Mr. Almoner. The Scots believe they have sure spies in Henry's court. The meetings between the wardens this week were as friendly as have been seen. Cannot but marvel if my Lord Warden do not inform the King of the Scots' special musters; and that no musters are made on these marches. No Englishman knows more of their secrets. Begs an answer to his late letter for warrants dormant to pay the retinue quarterly, and 20 workmen monthly, as the King desired. Berwick, 7 August.
P.S.—Excuses his rude and evil ordered letter, as he could make no clerk privy to it.
Copy in Wolsey's hand, pp. 4. With signature and address copied.
[7 Aug.]
R. MS., 13 B. II., 75. (No. 202). B.M.
Ep. Reg. Scot., I., 165.
1330. [3629.] JAMES IV. to JOHN KING OF DENMARK.
Had sent Carrik thither, some time ago. Is surprised at his delay, and, fearing he may be in some danger, has sent letters by the present messenger to state that France has been invaded by Spain and England, and Acquitaine has been devastated. Louis desired James to send this announcement. Has been disappointed in his endeavours to obtain peace from England. His merchants from Flanders and France have been taken prisoners on the pretence that some French mariners, with English captives, were received in Scotland. Is compelled to take up arms. Begs him to intimate to England what side he will take, and to write to France what aid he will send. The men of Hamburg, provoked perhaps by Denmark's war against the Lubeckers, make depredations on Scotch merchants. If they are friends to Denmark, hopes for redress; if enemies, trusts he will make common cause against them, as John Quhyte (fn. 2) will explain.
Lat., pp. 2.
Adv. MS., 352. 2. Another copy.
Pp. 2.
7 Aug.
Ib., 353.
1331. JAMES IV to CHRISTIERN PRINCE OF DENMARK.
Sent Carrik lately to the King his uncle, &c. [To the same effect as the preceding, but somewhat differently worded. The part relating to the men of Hamburg mentions Benedict Winflet by name.] Edinburgh, 7 Aug. 1512.
Lat., copy, p. 1.
8 Aug.
Exch. Accts., 417 (6), f. 5. R.O.
1332. MOND LYND.
Warrant to the Great Wardrobe to deliver Mond Lynd, the King's servant, a motley coat, &c. Manor of Waltham, 8 Aug. 4 Hen. VIII.
8 Aug.
Galba B. III., 39d. B.M.
1333. [3362.] [YOUNG, BOLEYN and WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.]
Wrote on the 3rd. Spinelly will communicate the news. Sir Robt. Wingfield has received a letter from Hans Raynar, principal secretary, enclosed. He has written in return, desiring him to give a helping hand to the matter "and his travail shall not be lost," an offer which my Lady formerly advised making. They think he will do it, as he has a brother among the Almayns brought into the King's service by Sir Guyot [de Heulle]. Have had several communications with the Prince's council of the taking of the Frenchmen by Sampson Norton within the county of Artois, and of the taking of the said Sampson within the town of Arras. Many of the Council lean to France, and would not that Sampson should enjoy his liberty except the Frenchmen taken by him are set at large and restitution made, not considering that his charges in prison amount to within 20 "phelips geldres" of what he took from the Frenchmen. Brussels, 8 August.
Mutilated, pp. 2. From the letter book.
8 Aug.
Ib., 11. B.M.
1334. [3361.] SPINELLY to HENRY VIII.
Wrote last on the 3rd. Received this morning the King's letters of the 26th ult. The ambassadors can bear witness that he has used his best efforts with Madame of Savoy. Expects good news from Germany immediately, which may render unnecessary his visit to Cologne, but will be guided in this by the ambassadors. Will inquire to-morrow about the four cor[teaux] of the Scotchman and their worth. Sends copy of letters from a kinsman of the master of the Posts, at Blois, showing that the army of Aragon was in Pampeluna. The Swiss are ready to march into the Duchy (fn. 3) against the French, at Our Lady's day next (8 Sept.) when an assembly of all the cantons will be held to determine their plans. Deputies of the Emperor will attend. Madame has paid from her own purse the 2,600 of florins of gold due to them yearly in consideration of their alliance with Austria. Sends copies of provisions made for the French King and the Conciliabulum, subjecting the spirituality of France to a tax, against which those of Artois have appealed to Madame, who has forbidden it to be paid. Writes to day on the subject to the Cardinal of York [Bainbridge] with the letters received from the master of the Posts in England. Madame says the Emperor is much pleased with the conduct of Aragon in sending the bastard son of the Archbishop of Saragossa to reside with the Prince. Brussels, 8 Aug.
P.S.—A post has arrived from Germany, but Madame is asleep, and the contents are unknown.
Hol., French, pp. 3. Add.
9 Aug.
Ib., 40. B.M.
1335. [3363.] [YOUNG, BOLEYN and WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.]
Wrote yesterday; enclose a letter omitted by oversight. "Louis Marreton is upon his despatch of the Emperor's commission." Brussels, 9 Aug.
Mutilated, p. 1. From a letter book.
11 Aug.
Galba B. III., 16. B.M.
1336. [3367.] MARGARET OF SAVOY to HENRY VIII.
The towns of Lubeck, Hamburgh, &c., have equipped vessels to interrupt the herring fisheries of the states of Holland, Zeland, and Friesland, their principal support. Requests the protection of Henry's ships and men of war at sea. Begs he will signify his answer to the provost of Cassell. Brussels, 11 Aug. 1512. Signed.
French, mutilated, p. 1. Add.
13 Aug. 1337. HOLY TRINITY PRIORY, London.
Election. See GRANTS IN AUGUST, No. 10.
13 Aug.
Galba B. III., 40d. B.M.
1338. [3370.] [YOUNG, BOLEYN and WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.]
Wrote last on the 9th. Yesterday my Lady sent for them, and stated that the Emperor had sent unto her for a minute of a commission to empower her to conclude matters, and she trusted they should take effect within ten days. She asked Sir Tho. Boleyn if he would lay a wager about it; "to whom he answered that if her Grace would give him leave he would gladly hold that wager, and more gladly lese it; then promised she to give him a courser of Spain in case it came not to the conclusion by us desired within the space above rehearsed." If she win, to have of Sir Thomas a hobby. They shook hands in confirmation of the same. She is anxious that one of them should be sent to reside with the Emperor, who, she says, must have "much calling upon"; and she again advised rewarding Jakes Banysyus and H[ans Raynar] that they should advance the King's causes in the absence of my lord of Gurce. Ask whether if the ten days pass without effect, "one of us three" should go to the Emperor, or else Thomas Spinelly be sent. They are in want of money. The French King has offered the Swiss "two hundred and ... thousand crowns" for a perpetual league, which the Emperor will prevent. The French King has made him great offers at Cologne. Send a copy of his letter. Last night my Lady sent her secretary to say that one of them, or at least Spinelly, should ride to the Emperor, or else that a pricking letter in Latin should be sent to her and others he named, in manner, accusing her of causing this delay. Have devised such a letter, with which she is pleased. Send a copy. Wish for advice touching the manner of treating—whether she is sufficient by herself as at Cambray. Brussels, 13 Aug.
Mutilated, pp. 3. From a letter book.
Le Glay,
Corresp. de Max. et de Marg., II., 20.
1339. MARGARET OF SAVOY to MAXIMILIAN.
To-day, received his letters of the 8th. Thinks it well that he desires to act in concert with the King of Aragon, who is inclined to assist both him and her nephew. If they act together in Italy, and have the Swiss with them, things must end well; and the Cardinal of Sion and Viceroy of Naples cannot quarrel since they are come to Italy for the same cause. " ... Toutesfois, Monseigneur, je tiens que ne le faictes sans bonne cause et qu'a la bonne diligence et expérience de l'evesque de Gurce et de l'ambassadeur Urreas tout ira bien." As to the offers of Doctor Medula she cannot advise; and the sieur de Berghes and she think best not to communicate them to the Emperor's Privy Council as yet * * *
French.
15 Aug.
Calig. B. VI., 34. B.M.
1340. [3372.] JAMES IV. to HENRY VIII.
Received, on 8 Aug., his letter dated Portsmouth, 31 July, wherein Henry states that he cannot enter into any negotiations for universal peace without the assent of his confederates of the Holy League, and therefore declines giving a safe conduct; but will treat upon the secret matters which Dr. West, his ambassador, disclosed to him and upon controversies depending between them, and thinks the Bp. of Murray a suitable negociator, for whom (and the others named by James) a safe conduct has been sent as desired; but at present Henry declines to give answer to the points in James's letter delivered by the dean of Windsor (expecting an ambassador from Scotland for more thorough discussion of the same), and thanks the King of Scotland for his co-operation in the matter of Richard De la Pole.
James intended not only to labour for a universal peace, but for the satisfaction of England in the points disputed, and had also meant his ambassadors to show the King of France that his cherishing Richard De la Pole is contrary to his (James's) "enteres and possibilite." This cannot now be done, as the safe conduct is refused. Thinks all matters in debate may better be discussed by commissioners on the Borders. Has already offered redress to Henry's ambassadors on the matter of Robert Bertoun, "notwithstanding he had taken him to the King of France's service, because he was within our realm." His wardens and officers shall always be ready to meet Henry's and avoid delays; "howbeit to have eschewed the grudging hereof we sought the most apparent cause, whereby every good Christian man with honour might have remitted his 'harmys'; and we, with our lieges' consents, have made abolition," that you might perceive we intended no break; and would be glad if you caused your wardens to make redress "without colour." Edinburgh, 15 Aug. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.

Footnotes

  • 1. Sic.
  • 2. "ut ex suo bajulo Joanne Quhyte plenius accipiet."
  • 3. Of Burgundy.