Henry VIII: October 1543, 11-20

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 2, August-December 1543. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1902.

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'Henry VIII: October 1543, 11-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 2, August-December 1543, (London, 1902) pp. 153-163. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no2/pp153-163 [accessed 25 April 2024]

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October 1543, 11-20

11 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 191. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 60.
269. The Privy Council to Sadler.
The King has seen his letters of the 5th and 6th to Suffolk and the Council in the North (points recapitulated). The Cardinal being fled with the Dowager to St. Andrews, and the Governor ere this come in to the King's friends, who have won to their side such a number (as they have written) that they may do what they list, the King marvels that they put so many impossibilities to things which are feasible enough. Sadler shall tell Douglas or Angus that, if certain of them desire licence to visit the Queen, her guardians will doubtless grant it, as they have done to the Cardinal and Dowager; and, once inside the castle, they may, with such of her guardians as are their friends, find means to get her into their hands. They have good cause to desire a sight of her, as she may be conveyed away and another child kept in her place. Such jugglery has been seen before. As to the strongholds; the King desires much to have Dumbar and Dunbritayn, to cut off access by water from their enemies. If Linoux has such desire to serve the King and so fervent love for the King's niece, Lady Margaret Douglas, he will not stick to deliver Dunbritayn, which is not his inheritance. These points are to be set forth with dexterity, to the intent that they may answer them in the resolution which they intend to send the King.
To Casselles he shall say that the King takes in thankful part his desire for the apprehension of the French ships about Dumbarton, and would be glad of his advice how best to send his (the King's) ships to the West of Scotland for that purpose. If they perceive that the money and munition, if brought a-land, could not be kept from the Cardinal and his complices; Casselles, Glencarn and Linox should keep the ships from landing either legate, ambassador, James Stuard, or munition, until the King's ships (if Casselles advise the enterprise) arrive. Sadler shall write to Glencarn that the King thanks him for his readiness to win the money and munition brought for the French party; and require him, if Linox appear scrupulous to lay hands on the Legate, to take him prisoner to his own use, for he is very wealthy and will give much for his ransom.
Finally, Sadler shall advise Angus and the rest not to show too much "good semblant" to the Governor, lest Linox conceive suspicion and revolt again to the Cardinal, having such commodity by the arrival of James Stuard, who will not fail to persuade him again to the French party.
Draft, pp. 20. Endd. : Mynute to Mr. Sadleyr, xjo Octobris 1543.
11 Oct.
R. O.
270. H. Lord Mawtravers to the Council.
Whereas their letters of the 7th signified that the writer should avoid all French strangers out of the town and marches, and that Sir Edw. Wotton and Mr. Ant. Rous, treasurer and comptroller, should sell their goods to the King's profit; letters have since come to Mr. Ryngeley to sell such goods within the county of Guysnes, and deliver the proceeds to Mr. Palmer, treasurer of the crew at Guysnes. Wotton and Rous had already taken into their hands the goods of some of the inhabitants of Guysnes, who are but few, and, as treasurer and comptroller, can do so with "less suspicion of the final intent" than Ryngeley, who must show special commission. Ryngely, besides, for his charge of the castle of Guysnes and "his v . . . legg, is unmeet to travail for the execution thereof" and seems willing to be rid of it. Begs to know the King's resolution. Cales, 11 Oct. 1543.
Hol., pp. 3. Slightly mutilated. Add. Endd.
11 Oct.
R. O.
271. H. Lord Mawtravers to Paget.
Upon the Council's letters of the 7th, for the expelling of all strangers born under the obeisance of the French king, and confiscation, by the Treasurer and Controller here, of their goods, there arise certain doubts. 1. In the case of children born within the Pale, "those that be above the age of viij years I intend to reserve and set in work"; but those under that age must be fostered if they remain, and if removed with their parents they may hereafter return and claim the benefit of Englishmen. 2. The removing must be done by proclamation, and if the penalty of breaking the same be less than death many of the strangers will venture to return. Begs to know the King's resolution with speed, "because the said strangers are upon the point of th'avoiding." Calais, 11 Oct. 1543. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
12 Oct.
Irish Pat. Roll. 34 Hen. VIII. M. 12.
272. Ireland.
"King's letter commanding Sir Anthony Saint Leger, deputy of Ireland, to repair to the King's presence, and appointing William Brabazon, vice-treasurer, justiciary of Ireland during his absence."—Oct. 12, 35o.
Morrin's Calendar, p. 95.
*** Another enrolment to the same effect in 36 Hen. VIII. m. 4d. See Morrin's Calendar, p. 113.
See Grants in October, No. 12.
12 Oct.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 242.]
273. Granvelle to Chapuys.
Received yesterday his letters of the 7th, of the King of England's refusal of safe-conduct for the French fishery and instance for the equipping of the ships here, and at once showed it to the Queen; who said she had already written to Mons. de Beures, as admiral, and others in Holland and Zelande to prepare the said ships and thought them already at sea, but she made them a re-charge. The King has done marvellously well to refuse the safe-conduct and may be assured that none will be given here. The Emperor's army is before Landreschies and will, it is hoped, carry it shortly. Will keep him advertised of what succeeds, and of the King of France's approach, who brags always that he will give battle. Has furthered the payment which Chapuys's man solicits here. Binche, 12 Oct. 1543.
French, p. 1. Modern transcript from Vienna.
13 Oct.
R. O. St. P., V. 347.
274. Suffolk to [Angus].
I perceive by your lordship's letter, dated Edinburgh 9th inst., that a great part of the Carres, etc., of Tyvidale are lately become "your men and servants" (whose names are in a memorial sent therewith), and that your brother Sir George gave me a bill to have the Rudderfurdes and Turnbulles your servants, with others, as Fernehyrst. As the King wishes your friends forborne, so he looks to have them join, and not be against, his subjects and garrisons in exploits against his or your enemies; and albeit Sir George gave me a memorial of such as he would have forborne, as Hunthill, Hundelee, Bone Jedworthe, Fernehyrst and others, Hunthill and Hundelee have ridden in England as enemies, and Bone Jedworth has defended the enemies. Nevertheless they and the others shall be forborne, if they take no part against us, except Fernehyrste, who lately laid his son with 400 men in wait for ours returning from an enterprise upon Bukclewgh, and divers were hurt and slain on both sides. Since, under colour of your brother's protection, he has done you this villainy I must take him as the King's mortal enemy. Darnton, 13 Oct.
Copy in the hand of Suffolk's clerk, pp. 2.
13 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 202. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 61.
275. Sadler to Henry VIII.
Upon the contents of Henry's letter of 30 Sept., has had conferences with Angus, Cassels, Maxwell, Somervell and Sir Geo. Douglas; but not with Glencarne, who departed hastily with Lynoux to Donbretayne upon the arrival of the French ships, as Sadler wrote to Suffolk and the Council at Darnton. Angus and the rest appeared willing to the things which Henry's letters required; but yet they made difficulties, especially Maxwell, who desires to know what Henry, being now at open war with Scotland, intends, swearing great oaths that, since he saw Henry and tasted his liberality, he has wished that he were king of Scotland. All said that if they knew whether Henry would indelayedly send in a main army or make frontier war this winter they could better determine how to serve him; and, considering the barrenness and natural strength of the country, they thought an army at this season could do little. Advised them to declare to Henry what they would do; and they asked for articles in writing, which they would answer, and these Sadler gave as in the schedule enclosed. After five or six days' deliberation, they said that the daily alterations among them, specially through the coming of the French ships, made it impossible for them to give a direct answer; but they would shortly send some one to the King with their whole mind.
Afterwards, Douglas came and discoursed of these things, alleging that it was impossible to declare what they could do, seeing what daily alterations chanced, and how the Governor, who had been wholly for the King, had revolted to the other party, and Lynoux, who came as ambassador for the French king, had joined the King's friends. The world was so full of falsehood he knew not whom he might trust! Yet he thought Lynoux, although young, was more constant than the Governor, but that he would require two things of the King, viz., (1) the marriage of Lady Margaret Douglas, with a convenient living in lieu of that which he will lose in France, and (2) assistance in attaining his title to this realm which the Governor now usurps the government of, which realm (Douglas thinks) he will take at the King's hands. Douglas thinks the marriage should be granted; but, for the other, another way should be taken, which is, that, passing over the winter with communication or frontier war, Henry should next summer make conquest with a main army (when his friends would put all this side of the Frythe into his hands), and, by suppressing the monasteries and giving them to such noblemen as will serve him, win all the noblemen and gentlemen on both sides of the Frythe to his devotion. Douglas says that Lynoux should be entertained, because he is of great power here, and if assured to the King will do good service; wherefore (as he and Glencarne are now at Donbretayne) Angus, Cassells, Maxwell, Somervell, the sheriff of Ayr and Douglas mean to ride westwards to him, to establish his good determination towards the King and see the money and munition from France kept from the Dowager and Cardinal. They have word from Lynoux and Glencarne that the money and much of the munition is already in Donbretayne castle, with the Legate and French ambassador; and they intend to persuade Lynoux to repair to the King to see lady Margaret, and will send with him some other of the King's friends. (fn. 1) And this day they are ridden westwards for the above purpose.
The Dowager, Governor, Cardinal, Huntley and Bothwell are at Stirling, devising how to get thither the Legate and French ambassadors, with the money and munition, which is 50,000 cr., 3 cannons, 2 double cannons, 40 falcons, 80 light field pieces called here quarter falcons, and 300 half hakes, with shot and 30 last of powder. The French ambassador is Monsieur la Brochey, and with him is come a councillor of Roan. Cannot learn the Legate's name, but he is said to be a patriarch and come to set unity between the lay people and the clergy. As soon as Lynoux departed, the Governor came hither, upon trust, as a mediator, to persuade Angus's party to a convention with the Dowager and Cardinal and that party at Stirling. Angus and his sort answered that, as long as the Cardinal was in place or council, they would not meddle. So the Governor departed, promising to return in 3 or 4 days; but now he has sent to Angus and Maxwell to speak with him at Lythcoo, which, being in their way towards Donbretayne, they will do. The Governor says openly that he will not be of the same party as Lynoux, unless Lynoux "confess his title to be second person of the realm"; which Lynoux, claiming like title, will never do. Angus, Lynoux, Cassells, Glencarn and the rest came hither with no great force, only household servants; and, ere they were all assembled, news of the French ships brake their purpose, and they despatched Lynoux and Glencarne to Donbritayne. Now they intend to make a new assembly at Glasco, and, having put the money and munition in safety and heard the French ambassadors and the Patriarch, they will despatch some noble person (if possible Lynouz himself with some other) to confer with Henry. Edinburgh, 13 Oct. Signed.
Partly in cipher, pp. 8. Add. Endd. : 1543.
Ib. f. 207. 2. Decipher of the preceding.
Pp. 2, large paper.
Ib. f. 206 3. "Certain heads and articles to be answered by the earl of Anguishe and other the King's majesty's friends here," wherein he desires resolute answer, viz. :—
Whether they will deliver the Governor and Cardinal to the King, or else deprive them, or what they will do? Whether they will establish such a council as the King named? Or appoint such noblemen to the custody of the Queen? What they will do to get Stirling, Edinburgh, Dunbar and other strongholds? Now that the King is in open war with Scotland, what they will do in case the King only make frontier wars this winter, or in case he invade with a main army?
In cipher, p. 1.
Ib. f. 208. 4. Decipher of § 3.
P. 1.
13 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 210. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 62. Sadler State Papers, I. 315.
276. Sadler to the Council.
Has received from Suffolk and others of the Council at Darnton a copy in cipher of the Council's letters of 6 Oct., of which they, probably, keep the original because not in cipher, for it is much ado to convey letters surely. Has communed with Angus and the King's friends upon the contents of the said letters, which they will execute to their utmost power. The Governor came to Sir George Douglas at Dalkeith "upon trust," and likewise has since been here with Angus and the rest; so that to lay hands on him would have dishonoured themselves, which they trust the King will not require of them.
Has spoken with the Provost and others touching the ships and goods stayed; whose answer was that they would advise and repair again to Sadler with their resolution. The last Provost left office at Michaelmas and Sir Adam Otterbourn, who has been ambassador in England, is now chosen Provost; who is noted to be of the Cardinal's faction, and yet, to Sadler, pretends the contrary, alleging that his trouble in the late King's time was "because he was suspected to be over good an Englishman." Cannot hear where the Faulcon and other ships of Depe chased into Montrose and Dundee by the King's navy are become. The Faulcon was conveyed away from Montrose three weeks ago by the mariners and soldiers, leaving the captain behind, who is here and says he knows not where she and her fellows, being but two small boats, are. Edinburgh, 13 Oct. Signed.
Partly in cipher, pp. 2. Add. Sealed. Endd. : 1543.
Ib. f. 211. 2. Decipher of part of the preceding.
P. 1.
14 Oct. 277. Sadler to the Council.
The letter of this date printed in Sadler State Papers, I. 315, is of the 13th. See No. 276.
14 Oct.
Wegener, Aarsberetninger, IV. 240.
278. Francis I. to Christian III.
Thanks him for his friendly mind declared through the French ambassador John Fraxinei. (fn. 2) Christian must remember that they have a common enemy, and the least misfortune to one of them must affect the other. Wonders therefore not a little that his confederate the Duke of Cleves has made such a surrender to his enemies, &c. Is pleased with Christian's answer to the King of England, &c. Folembrazy, 14 Oct. '43.
Low German translation of a Latin letter.
16 Oct.
R. O.
279. The Privy Council to Chapuys.
Have received his letters of the 10th, with those of the Emperor to him and the credence of Simon, the bearer of the same. In reply, the King commands them to signify that he is pleased that the answer sent by Mons. de Chantonay was agreeable to the Emperor and that, as shown both by Chapuys and Wallop, the Emperor was resolved to proceed against the enemy, and, most of all, that the Emperor is convalescent. Can write nothing certain about Scotland, such is the instability of that nation. Have written to the Drapers for his lodging and taken order for the arrest of the soldiers fugitives from the Emperor's camp.
French, p. 1. Endd. : "Mynute to th'Emperor's ambassador, xvjo Octob. 1543."
16 Oct.
R. O.
280. [Paget] to Wallop.
Thanks for remembrance in his letter to Mr. Treasurer. After the closing of the Council's letter to Wallop, the King willed the writer to signify, by this private letter, that, considering the plot of Landresey, both written and printed, it appears not to be "prenable" by assault without great loss, seeing that the French king has so great a force to levy the siege. The King thinks that two mounts of earth should be made where the ground is highest, and from these ordnance to beat the houses and scour the streets continually, while the mortars from the camp shoot day and night such shot as will break of itself and scatter abroad. He supposes this might be done easily, the Emperor having so much ordnance and artillery; and commands Wallop to suggest it to Mons. de Rieulx or other the Emperor's lieutenant there, but does not thereby mean to prescribe to those who are on the spot and can best judge. In an assault Wallop must not be too hasty to put his men forward; and likewise if the Emperor and French king join battle "you must desire in anywise to have the Spaniards as near your men as can be."
Finally you shall take occasion to inform the Emperor's lieutenant of the approaching "term" of the four months, desiring that, in case the Emperor requires you longer, order may be taken for payment of your wages on that day, for you have received wages only for the four months and Englishmen are wont always to be paid their wages for a month before. You "shall return at your day, except th'Emperor will entertain you at his own cost."
Draft in Paget's hand, pp. 6. Endd. : "Mynute to Mr. Wallop, xvjo Octob. 1543."
16 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 219. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 65.
281. Suffolk and Tunstall to the Council.
An espial called John Moore, surgeon, a Scottish man who has long dwelt in England, whose letter of news they lately sent to the Council, is returned, showing as follows :—Angus departed from Edinburgh westwards on Friday last. John Barton has three ships ready, the Mary Willughbye, Lyon, and another, prepared at the cost of the burgesses of Edinburgh, nominally to make war against the Portingales, but really to make prey of Englishmen to recompense their losses. In coming by Newcastle, Moore warned Mr. Uvedale thereof, who caused the mayor to stay two merchant ships that were ready to sail. Moore spake with Glencarne and Lynoux in Donbretayne castle; where all the money and munition brought from France is in Lynoux's hands (the money being but 10,000 cr.), so that if Lynoux now stick fast to Angus they may do what they will; howbeit Lynoux demands, with lady Margaret, to be heir to Angus's earldom though he have children by the wife he has now married, to which Angus will not agree. The Cardinal has divorced Bothwell from his wife, by whom he has many children, to the wonder of all Scotland. Mr. Sadleyr cannot escape from Edinburgh, where Sir Adam Ottyrburne is lately made provost. Moore counselled Sadleyr to get out of the town with Angus. The Dowager, Cardinal, Murrey, Huntley, Argile and Bothwell are at Stirling, and, if these French ships had not come, were agreed to perform the treaties and lay hostages. Darnton, 16 Oct. Signed.
P.S.—The said espial, whom they have sent back to Angus to learn more, says that if the legate from the bp. of Rome should come to Edinburgh they would kill him, for the townsmen and 10,000 more in Scotland are against the Bishop, and have assaulted certain "freereges" which the friars had to defend by force.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd. : 1543.
16 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 213. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 63. Sadler State Papers, I. 316.
282. Sadler to the Council.
Has received a copy in cipher of theirs of 11 Oct., with the King's command to confer eftsoons with Angus and the other lords; which he cannot do, as they are departed westwards and it behoveth him not to ride about, the open wars and great damage daily done to the Scots so stirring the people against him that he cannot remain here without danger, and is, by means of Angus and Douglas, to be conveyed to Temtallon within these 3 or 4 days, unless this town detain him (indeed they are loth that he should depart, as his presence keeps them in hope of recovering their ships), as he is secretly informed that they will.
Touching the obtaining of the young Queen; was told, before receipt of their said letters, that it was impossible to get her out of Stirling castle by force. Cannot see that the policy expressed therein could prevail; for her guardians are "all undoubtedly of the adverse party" and suspect that Angus and the King's friends wish to convey her to England; and they suffer none of the nobles to enter with more than one or two servants, saving the Dowager, who, by Parliament, is admitted to be resident with a certain number. They said plainly that they knew not how to come by the strongholds, and that, when they were here, the Captain of the Castle kept all his ordnance mounted and charged, to have beaten them out of the town if they had made proclamations or acted in derogation of the Governor's authority. Dunbar castle is held by a stout man who bears no affection to England and would not deliver it to the Governor or any one else. Lynoux would as lief depart with his right hand as with Donbretayne castle, and to move it to him were the next way to make him revolt to the adverse party, with the French money and munition; and therefore Sadler's advice is not to be over hasty for that till it be seen whether he will repair to the King. The sending of ships to apprehend the French ships at Donbritaine is disappointed now that the money and munition, Legate and Ambassador, are landed, and the ships brought into the haven; so that Sadler need not confer with Cassells therein. Sees not that they intend to take the Legate and Ambassador prisoners, but to honor them as ambassadors, for which purpose, now that they have the money and munition in Donbretayne castle, they will convey the ambassadors to Glascoo, where they may be better entertained. The Dowager, Governor and Cardinal sent strait command to Lynoux to convey the Legate and Ambassador, money and munition, to Stirling; but he refused. He may send the Legate and Ambassador to Stirling, but Sadler is sure he will not soon part with the money and munition. Edinburgh, 16 Oct. Signed.
In cipher, pp. 4. Add. Endd. : 1543.
Ib. f. 215. 2. Decipher of the preceding.
Pp. 3.
16 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 217. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 64.
283. Sadler to Suffolk and Others.
Has received theirs of the 13th with the clause of Sir Ralph Evers' letters to the lord Warden and the copy in cipher of the Council's letter (answer herewith). Where they desire him to commune with Sir George Douglas touching such as he desires to be assured on the Borders as his friends; cannot now speak with him, but, at his departure hence, he said he would shortly be on the Borders and speak with the lord Warden. Where they are informed that John a Barton sets to sea the Mary Willoughby and five other ships; he has long been intending, against the will of his friends, to venture with them to Bordeaux for wines, and the ships, which are "half merchants and half men of war," have been so long laden that they must venture or the goods will perish. Yesterday, the wind being north, John a Barton was aboard the Mary Willoughby to go forward, but the wind turning into the south, he came a land again, and some say he will not go at all; but it is thought that, as soon as wind serves, he will venture, having said himself "that if God will, he shall escape and perform his voyage, and if not he knoweth the worst." Edinburgh, 16 Oct.
Hol. pp. 2. Add. : To, etc., the duke of Suffolk, lieutenant, etc., "and other the lords of his Majesty's Council resident at Darneton." Endd. : 1543.
16 Oct.
R. O.
284. Albert Duke of Prussia to Henry VIII.
Was glad to see by the King's letters that the falcons had arrived safe and gave pleasure. Rejoices that they gave amusement to a mind wearied with weighty and serious affairs. Would like to gratify him with something better, but as his territories do not produce much, he again sends 12 falcons, more beautiful than the others. Commends his subjects who come to England with their ships to Henry's care. Sent last year to Henry's consort, of the line of the dukes of Juliers, a white osprey (nisus) with letters, but his falconer brought no reference to the letters and reported that Henry received them and the osprey. As Henry's letters do not mention this, he does not know how far to trust his falconer, and begs the King to write of it, and also to commend him to his said dearest kinswoman, his consort. Centuries ago the Margraves of Brandenberg built a strong citadel in Prussia to which they gave the family name of Brandenburgk, but in the wars of recent times it was destroyed. Is exhorted to rebuild it and begs Henry of his liberality to grant him some aid towards the work. "Datæ ex Regiomonte" (Königsberg), 16 Oct. 1543.
Lat. Hol., pp. 3. Marked at the end in another hand "manu propria ss'pttis (?)." Endd. : "The merques of Brandenbourough to the K's Mate, xvjo Decemb. 1543."
R. O. (R. T., 149.) 2. Modern transcript from Königsberg of the above letter.
Lat., pp. 3.
18 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 226. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II, No. 68.
285. The Privy Council to Sadler.
The King has received his of the 13th inst., and seen his private letter to Wriothesley, showing that he remains in Edinburgh, after the departure of Angus and the King's party, being in some perplexity whether the town will suffer him to depart. The King marvels that he puts himself in such hazard as to abide there behind (fn. 3) them, especially now that the Governor has revolted to the King's adversaries. He can abide in no surer place, nor where he can better serve, than with Angus and the King's friends; for which indeed the King appointed him, if he saw need, to repair to Tyntallon. He shall take the commodity of any of the King's friends going to Angus to go with them; or else signify to Angus that he is commanded to repair to him and desire escort.
Draft in Paget's hand, pp. 3. Endd. : Mynute to Mr. Sadleyr, xviijo Octobris 1543.
18 Oct.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 243.]
286. Chapuys to Charles V.
This King heard with great satisfaction the contents of the Emperor's letters to Chapuys of the 2nd and those of Granvelle of the 4th inst., as will partly be seen by the Council's letters herewith. Mr. Wallop will declare the rest, to whom the King sends instructions as to the capture of Landrissy and progress of the war.
Briant will have related how the Cardinal of Scotland, hearing of the King's preparations to invade Scotland, retired to a benefice of his, and thereupon several there declared in the King's favour, and those of this side of the Borders raided and harried lands of some of the Cardinal's adherents and defeated with notable loss about 1,000 Scottish horse. News has since come that seven French ships were arrived in Scotland with the Patriarch of Aquilea and the captain of the Scottish Guard of the King of France, with 500 soldiers, 50,000 cr., 10,000 pikes, 4,000 halberts, a great number of arquebuses and much munition, and that the Patriarch had already persuaded the assembling of the Estates in order to dissolve and annul the treaty last made, offering them absolution of their oath. The King will have to look well to it, as he means to do. London, 18 Oct. 1543.
French, pp. 2. Modern transcript from Vienna.
18 Oct.
Add. MS. 35,652, f. 221. B. M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 66.
287. Suffolk, Parr and Tunstall to the Council.
Perceive by theirs from Grafton, of 16 Oct., that the King has shipped 300 tun of beer hither, to be forestalled ere it come to Berwick and uttered at places convenient. At Berwick is already 100 tun of beer, "which cannot be uttered in this country, for here they care for no beer," but may serve for the King's ships that shall come hither, as they have written to Mr. Shelley, to whom and to Newcastle they have also written to send this beer now shipped back to Hull, and have written to Hull to stay it until instructed whether to return it to London or utter it in Flanders. Pray that it may not meet with the Scottish ships now ready to set forth; of whose setting forth they have warned the coast as far as Hull and Grymysbye. Where the King desires to know what ordnance is at Berwick; they send herewith copy of the book lately sent up with Thos. Sotehill, and have written to the captain of Berwick to send a book of all that was in charge of the late master of the ordnance. Remind them that Suffolk, at his first coming, six months ago, sent them a book of all the ordnance, artillery and munition at Berwick, as well for the town as for an army. Darnton, 18 Oct. Signed.
P.S.—Enclose two letters received to-day from Mr. Sadleyr, one to the Council in cipher, with the "uncypheringe of it," and another to the writers.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd. : 1543.
18 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652 f. 223. B.M. Hamilton Papers, II., No. 67. Sadler State Papers, I. 319.
288. Sadler to the Council.
The French ambassador[s] who lately arrived at Donbretayne came on Tuesday night to Stirling, where the Legate came on Monday; so that the King's advice to Glencarne to take the Legate prisoner came too late. The Dowager, Governor, Cardinal and Huntley are all lodged in Stirling castle, and dare not lie in the town for fear of Angus's party. Yesterday the French ambassadors had access to the Dowager and Governor. Cannot learn their message and legation, although it may be easily conjectured; but the French money is in Lynoux's hands in Donbretayne castle, with as much of the munition as could be landed "in so short a time." Angus, Lynoux, Glencarne, Cassells and all that party are at Glascoo, save Sir George Douglas, who lies very sick at Penkey, four miles hence. Has no advertisement from them since they left; and espials who were ready to serve him when the Governor was on our party are now slipped away with their captain. Edinburgh, 18 Oct. Signed.
P.S. (fn. 4) in his own hand.—If he is to remain here he must have more money. Spends the King's money to small purpose, and no little danger to himself, for the war stomachs people against him.
In cipher except the postscript, pp. 3. Add. Sealed. Endd. : 1543.
Ib. f. 224. 2. Decipher of the preceding.
P. 1.
19 Oct.
Add. MS. 32,652, f. 228. B. M Hamilton Papers, II., No. 69.
289. Henry VIII. to Angus, Cassillis and Glencairn.
Perceives by theirs of the 12th inst. their inclination to advance his affairs as opportunity may suffer. Learns, from his Ambassador and from them, the towardness shown by Lynoux, who, if his deeds correspond to his promises, shall find great kindness at Henry's hands; but warns them, seeing how they have been deceived by the craft of the Cardinal and the inconstant and untrue dealing of the Governor, to work so substantially in this new confederacy with Lynoux and all others, that their affection to the advancement of Henry's affairs, with foresight for their own assurance, may appear to all the world. Thinks that Anguisse, Lynouz, Cassall and Clynkerne, with the advice of Sir G. Duglas, should alone take the direction of affairs; for where many are of counsel things cannot be kept secret. The money and munition brought from France, now in Donbarton castle, should not be entrusted to one man alone. They should appoint men of fidelity to oversee it and persuade Lynoux to consent, telling him that, leaving the castle in one man's hands as he has done, he may peradventure put a weapon in his enemies' hands; for the Cardinal will work by all means to get it, and the inconstancy and unfaithfulness of men nowadays they have themselves experimented in the foresaid earl of Arrayn. Entertaining as they do this Legate and Ambassador, they should, still, not suffer them much to go abroad to spread rumour among the common people.
Draft in Paget's hand, with many corrections in the King's own hand, pp. 9. Add. Endd. : Mynute to th'earls of Anguishe, Casselles and Glencarn, xixo Octobris 1543.
20 Oct.
R. O. St. P., IX. 521.
290. Edmond Harvel to Henry VIII.
Since his last of the 7th, it is divulged that the Turk returns to Constantinople, leaving 30,000 horse for the presidye of Hungary. He has had incredible loss of men by pestilence. Both Turk and Christians fortify their confines. Ferdinando, who has been in arms hitherto, will not proceed further as the winter begins to be sharp. Barbarossa is returned to winter at Tolon, licensing the corsairs to infest the seas, against whom Doria has sent 20 galleys out of Geane. The galleys of Naples and Sicily have infested the Archipelago and the Turk's lands in Grecye, and spoiled Filipopoli, but the report of the taking of Rhodis is vain. Guasto is at the obsidion of a French fortress in Piedmont. Maran has been relieved. The Italians sent to Hungary by the Bishop are returning, spoiling the country as they pass. The Bishop has set a tax for 300,000 cr. of subsidy against Barbarossa, although hitherto has been no enmity between the Bishop and Barbarossa. The Roman clergy rumor that Scotland is rebelled against Henry. Practices are mentioned for sending Pathis, Kildare, Brensetour and other rebels to Scotland by the Roman bishop and French king, "but I cannot see to what use such rascals can be." 12,000 Swiches have gone to the French king, only for defence of France. Three or four of the cantons refused their consent. That nation's reputation in arms is decayed. Italy is in expectation of the success of this war against France. Venice, 20 Oct. 1543.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.

Footnotes

  • 1. Down to this point the letter is all in cipher.
  • 2. John Fraxineus was also sent by Francis I. to Christian III. in 1541. His letter of credence, dated Deschou, 19 Dec. 1541, is printed by Wegener at p. 211.
  • 3. The MS. has "behynd them," not "besyd them" as printed by the Editor of the Hamilton Papers.
  • 4. Not in Sadler State Papers.