Henry VIII: December 1546, 21-25 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 2, September 1546-January 1547. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1910.

'Henry VIII: December 1546, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 21 Part 2, September 1546-January 1547, (London, 1910) pp. 302-313. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol21/no2/pp302-313 [accessed 19 April 2024]

December 1546, 21-25



21 Dec.	591. Paniter and Otterburn to Arran.
R. O. St. P., v. 575	On Saturday, 11th inst., dined with the Council at Westminster, and the Chancellor, in the King's name, desired them to write to Arran to desist from the siege of St. Andrews Castle, as the persons within it had always shown themselves well willers to the marriage and the King's other purposes there, and an agreement between the realms would thereby be promoted. Replied that they had no commission in sic business, "no^tycles (nocht the less) becaus it wes" the King's desire they condescended to write. London, St. Thomas' Day.
	Copy, p. 1. Endd.: Thambass. of Scotland to there Governour, Decembr. 1546.
R. O.	2. Another copy in the same handwriting with the words above quoted still further misread, viz., "no^t to wes."
	P. 1.
21 Dec.	592. Anthony Auchar to Paget.
R. O.	Sends herewith books for the months of October and November, amounting to 2,251l 4s. 10d. for the debt for victuals delivered by him at Boolleigne, signed by the Lord Deputy and Council there, according to the King's instructions. Has also delivered above 400l. worth to the Blacknesse and Hambletwe besides what is spent of the old store, but has as yet no certificate signed by Lord Sturton or Sir Richard Candishe. These two pieces are more burden to furnish than all the rest, for lack of brewhouses, bakehouses, and storehouses. Has furnished them with brewhouses, and will with speed furnish bakehouses. At Blacknesse, Candishe had no letter at the writer's going to Bolleigne; and he is said to have a commission for victualling. Sends two books signed by the Lord Deputy and Council of Boolleigne "purporting" what grain is received and what is spent in the two months. Begs to know if in his first book of provisions any information is omitted which should be there. Since receiving Paget's last letters, has shipped 1,000 qr. of grain to Boolleigne, and his deputies in Kent will ship another 1,000 within these 12 or 16 days; and, as the Commissioners for putting out the King's lands have leased most of our houses of storage, commandment should straight be given to have them "avoyded and partly repaired." There is 4,000 or 5,000 qr. of grain ready in Norfolk to be sent thither. At Callys are 400 "boefes" and 200 sheep; and, if need require, here are 600 oxen and steers in Romney Marshe. There is cheese and butter sufficient until Shrovetide, and he has provided two water mills to be set "there" under one roof, which should be finished before Candlemas. Has for their further relief baked 400 qr. of wheat into biscuit. Heretofore demanded 6,000l. for the victualling of Bolleigne and other pieces there "for the number now there," the debt to be paid every two months. Now thinks he can do it with 3,000l. besides the sum already received, provided that the money for the victual is returned every two months. Begs that the houses of storage, mills, etc., and the victuals to be sent from henceforth may be paid for, so that he may make speed as the King commanded; also that the Deputy and Council of Callis may be commanded to give him storage for 2,000 or 3,000 qr. of grain in case grain ships from Norfolk are by tempest driven thither. Thought meet to send these books now, although intending to come in person by St. Stevyn's Day, so that if money is passing to Boollegne so much may be stayed and the books sent thither to the treasurer, who may thereupon receive the money from the captains. From my poor house, Otterden, 21 Dec. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: 1546.
21 Dec.	593. Carne to the Council.
R. O. St. P., xi., 378.	This morning received theirs of the 15th signifying the detestable practice of the Duke of Norfolk and his son of Surrey, with their devilish intents, now (thank God!) revealed. This evening declared to the Lady Regent the King's pleasure therein. She thanked his Majesty for participating it to her, as one of his friends, and was glad that he knew it in time, not doubting but that God (as always hitherto) will preserve him. President Schore took thankfully that the King should participate it, seeing that the thing touched his own subjects whom he might use as seemed best and no man here be offended, "nother yet could think justly anything done by his Majesty, specially touching his own subjects, but that reason and justice required." He seemed to abhor the Duke's practice, as it is to be abhorred in any honest heart. Arscot and Schore were with the Regent when he declared it. Encloses occurrents from the Emperor's Court sent him by Schore, whom he finds very good and gentle, and ready to aid the King's subjects, as lately he aided certain English merchants who were in trouble and danger in Andwarp. Bynkes, 21 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
22 Dec.	594. Boulogne.
	Treasurer's accounts. See Grants in December, No. 48.
22 Dec.	595. The Privy Council.
Dasent's A. P. C, 556.	Meeting at Ely Place, 22 Dec. Present: Chancellor, Great Master, Privy Seal [Great Chamberlain, Admiral, Browne, Paget]. Business:—Thomas Hussey had warrant to Williams for 24l. 3d. disbursed in bringing the Duke of Norfolk's horses from Kenynghall to Lambeth "and for the charges the time of taking an inventory at Lambehethe."
22 Dec.	596. Council of the North to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., v., 577.	Sat at York for 20 days from 1 Dec. last for administration of justice between parties; and also, with assistance of the Earl of Cumberland and Lord Wharton, kept sessions of oyer determiner and goal delivery, at which were convicted and executed 12 persons for felonies committed in Yorkshire. Also, at a sessions of the Six Articles, they convicted two sacramentaries, named Richard Burdone and John Grove, "who repaired hither immediately after the execution of Anne Askewe, Lasselles and others, and were present at the same." Spare their execution until the King's further pleasure be known, as they recant and lament their offences. York, 22 Dec. 1546. Signed: Robert Ebor: T. Magnus: Will'm Babthorp: Rob't Chaloner: Thoma Gargrave.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.
23 Dec.	597. The Army in Ireland.
	Marshal. See Grants in December, No. 49.
23 Dec.	598. The Privy Council.
Dasent's A. P. C, 557.	Meeting at Ely Place, 23 Dec. Present: Chancellor, Great Master, [Privy Seal, Great Chamberlain, Admiral, Browne, Paget]. Business:—Warrant to Cavendish for 12l. for Anthony Garton's posting thrice to Boulogne and back. Warrants to Williams to pay Florence Diaceto 75l. for three months' wages "for himself and 12 great horses"; also to pay Peter Luti of Sienna, eight months' wages, 32l.
23 Dec.	599. Strensall Prebend.
R. O.	Grant to the Crown by William Bolleyn, clk., prebendary of Strenshull, alias Strensall, Yorks., founded in the cathedral and metropolitan church of St. Peter, York, of his said prebend. Dated 23 Dec. 38 Hen. VIII. Signed: Per me Gulielmum Boleyn. Seal appended, slightly injured. Note by Sir Edw. North that the above was recognised before him the same day.
	Parchment. [See Eighth Report of Dep. Keeper of Public Records, App. ii. 42.]
23 Dec.	600. Lord Evers to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., v., 578.	Sends an espial's letter received to-day of affairs current in Scotland. Berwyke, 23 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.
R. O. St. P., v., 578.	2. "Item, yowr l. sal onderstand at yis last conwensioun ye erll off Hwntle dessyret ye Quene for ye mariage of ye Prences, ye quelk has mad ane gret dewesioun, for Argyl and Huntle takes botht onne part. And now onne ye day beffor Chaint Tomas day (fn. n1) yar is ane embassater of Dennmark cwmene ffor mareages and other materes ye quelk yowr l. sal know. It is lyk to be gret trobill effter ye hale dayis."
	P. 1.
23 Dec.	601. William lord Grey to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Expresses his great obligation to the King for planting him where he now is, and is sorry to be more chargeable to his Majesty than others have been, as he is not of such ability to maintain the place honorably. In supplement, begs that he may have the stewardship of the Augmentation Court. Bolloigne, 23 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.
23 Dec.	602. Wotton to Paget.
R. O. St. P.,xi., 379.	Thought to send "this other packet" by a courier going to the French ambassador in England; but none was sent. The French king has news that, after taking Noerlingen, the Emperor went down towards Frankland and took Hall, a city of the Protestants' Confederacy where Brentius dwells, and then another of their cities called Rotenburg upon Zauber; but he makes no change in their religion, "wherewith the Bishop of Roome is not contented." He will winter in the bpric. of Wirzburg in Frankland. The Landgrave is gone to see if he can bring his son-in-law Duke Morice home again, who is said to have been lately "distraught and out of his wit; the which seemeth the more credible forbicause Duke Henry his father was so indeed." Duke Moryce besieged Wittenbergh but found it too strong. The Duke of Saxe is arrived in his country with such an army as Duke Moryce cannot resist, and therefore the Emperor has seat the Count of Buren to aid him with 10,000 footmen and about 3,000 horsemen, who are already nigh to the county of Catzenellebogen, which is "litigiouse betwixt the Landgrave and the young count of Nassau, whom in the Emperor's court they call Prince of Orange, without reason, in my mind." All the Protestant cities which have not paid their contribution to this war have it ready so that the Protestants will have enough to maintain the war if necessary. The Emperor gathers fresh men about the lower Rhine, either against the bp. of Coleyn or the Landgrave. The Emperor being removed from Dunowe side, the garrisons of Ulme and Auspurg and in Wirtenbergh will soon recover his unfortified towns upon the Dunow betwixt Ingolstadt and Ulme. Secretary Laubespine says also that there is strife betwixt the cardinals of Trente and Auspurg for the bpric. of Coleyn, of which the Bishop of Rome has deprived the bp. of Coleyn. Told him that was unlikely, because the coadjutor of Coleyn, the earl of Shawenburgh, is in the Emperor's favour. Mary ! the bp. of Coleyn had also Padebourne, and perhaps they contend for that.
	Hears that the Bishop of Rome labours for a marriage between Signor Horatio, "his son's son, that hath continued long in this Court." and a young bastard daughter of the Dolfyn. Ambassadors of the Protestants are coming hither and Dr. Bruno going into England. The French king gathers much money of his subjects; and by September next will have his two millions that he should pay for Boleyn, and will then press the King to take it and redeliver Boloyn. The French king has commanded his legioners to be in readiness, under pretence that the Emperor gathers men in Luxenbourgh and the Low Country.
	Has just received a letter (herewith) from Dr. Bruno. The Protestants' ambassadors are here already, whereof Franciscus Burgartus, the Chancellor of Saxe, is one, and Bruno will be here within a day or two. "Having done here, they go all together into England." As these men have spoken earnestly to me about the searching of their men at Dover, I would be glad to have them perceive that I have advertised the King of it. Compiegne, 23 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
23 Dec.	603. Edmond Harvel to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., xi, 382.	Signor Ludovico de Larme, to clear himself of the death of Mafio Bernardo, asked the writer to go or send a secretary with him to the Signory. Advised him, if he found his conscience "net," to take no notice of such rumours; and would not accompany him in person, lest it should seem that he needed favour, but sent his secretary. Ludovico declared that there were untrue rumours of the matter; and the Duke answered that, for the King's sake, he was honoured as a public person, and the Signory regarded no vain rumours. Shortly afterwards Ludovico was twice called before the Council of Ten and examined, whereat he was sore aggrieved; and Harvel spoke to the Signory, saying that it was strange to treat a public person thus, and he could not think that Ludovico would provoke it by such an offence. The Duke answered that they held the King in great reverence, but one Mocenico, a gentleman of this city, whom they imprisoned for the death of the said Barnardo, accused the Signor Ludovico and had been confronted with him; nothing could, however, be learnt save that Mafio Barnardo sent Ludovico a certain letter which he showed to Mocenico, and which does not now "appear," Ludovico affirming that he delivered it to Mocenico, and Mocenico denying this; the Signory had proceeded courteously for the King's sake, and trusted that he would take it in good part.
	By letters from Constantinople, of 10 Nov., the Turk continued his preparations to go against Vienna, and would send out 80 or 100 galleys to defend his country in his absence. Dr. Girardo, Ferdinando's ambassador, left Constantinople for Andri[nopoli] on 14 Nov., "whose legacye see[mythe] to be litil regardid." Don Diego, the Emperor's ambassador here, has taken leave and gone to Rome in "legacye" to the Bishop; and his brother, Don Bernardin de Mendosa, who came hither out of Spain with money, is departed to the Emperor. The Bishop has put a subsidy upon the clergy of a fourth part of their revenues. This Duke, about three days past, sent for Harvel to signify their Senate's determination to send an ambassador to England. Thanked them, saying that it would both please the King and benefit them. By letters of the 10th inst. from the Imperial camp, the Emperor would winter in "those towns about the Danubio," and the Protestants had withdrawn to their cities. It is reported that the Langrave is gone to Franconia, against Herbipolis, Bombergo and other prelates, and that the Emperor would send the Countye of Buren after him with 10,000 footmen and certain horsemen; also that the Countye Palatin lately came to the Emperor to pacify thi[ngs] of Germany. Very sharp words have been between Granveilles and the Bishop's orator. Cardinal Fernesy is arrived in Rome. "No mention is made of the [creation of new] cardinals which [were] in great exp[ec]tacion." The French king gives suspicion of war by his late provision of money in Lions and by a good sum sent to Turin to repair towns in Piemont; and he is said to have removed the French posts from Lombardye" and set by the ways of Swiches." The Signor of Mirandola was here lately— as some think, to receive money for the Fench king. Piero Strocy is here, "but not well known for what cause." Venice, 23 Dec. 1546.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
24 Dec.	604. The Privy Council.
Dasent's A.P.C., 557.	Meeting at Ely Place, 24 Dec. Present: Chancellor, Great Master. Privy Seal, Great Chamberlain, Admiral, Browne, Paget, "etc." Business:—Answer written to letters of the 10th from Newcastle that their proceedings were commended and should be continued in the despatch of the rest of the sea-coal, and the Council had written to the treasurer of Boulogne to pay the masters of the vessels forthwith, leaving the wafters to be paid at their return to Newcastle; they of Newcastle should certify how much of the King's money remained there. Letters to Treasurer of Boulogne to receive the said coal and pay the price, 13s. 4d. per chalder. Letters to John Hyll, William Hyll, John Dowding, William Appowell and John Capps (who ignore the former letters ordering them to stand to the award made between them and Ant. de Macuelo and Philip de Aranda), charging them eftsoons to perform the award or else appear. Letter to mayor and jurates of Rye and Philip Chute, captain of the castle there, to cause Blakye of Rye to deliver 12 bales of madder (mark given) to Baptista Sambytores, for Elias Corrn. General letter to mayors, etc., that the Council's former letter for their aid to Michael de Poza in recovering goods robbed from two Spanish vessels by John Tompson of Calais shall apply to all goods of Fernando Dasa, Jerom de Arresti, Melchior de Anusto and John de Bilboa stolen by any other pirates.
24 Dec.	605. Van der Delft to Charles V.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 370.	Since writing on the 14th has shown the Council several instances of injury suffered by the Emperor's subjects and the small results obtained by the Emperor's commissioner and the writer, who, instead of the 40 days provided by the agreement of Utrecht, were delayed nearly eight months. The Council proved more obstinate than he ever knew them to be, and postponed the matter till the King's return to London. There was a large assembly of Councillors, as they were occupied about the Duke of Norfolk and his son, who are prisoners. Next day the Lord Chancellor sent word, by the writer's man, that Norfolk and his son had planned to obtain the government of the King, who was too old to allow himself to be governed, by murdering all the Council and assuming control of the Prince. Surrey, however, had not been under arrest in the Lord Chancellor's house for this, but for writing a threatening letter to a gentleman; two other gentlemen had come forward and charged them with this conspiracy. Surrey, though he has always been so generous to his countrymen, is not beloved by them. The feeling against the father is less severe. In the barge, and at entering the Tower, the Duke declared that no more loyal subject of his prince had ever been carried thither. Their fate will soon be known, as the King has arrived here and keeps himself secluded from all but his Councillors and three or four gentlemen of his Chamber. As he will be occupied with this affair during the holidays, the Queen and Court have gone to Greenwich, although she has never before left him on a solemn occasion. Recently the King told Van der Delft that he had had a fever which lasted 30 hours, but he was now quite restored. His looks, however, do not bear out the latter statement. To discover whether the affair of these prisoners was being used as a pretext to conceal the King's indisposition, the writer contrived a message to the Lord Admiral. His man slept at Court and learnt that the King was not at all well although he had been seen dressed the previous day.
	Affairs here change almost daily. Four or five months ago was great prosecution of heretics and sacramentarians, which has ceased since Hertford and the Lord Admiral have resided at Court. The opinion that they are in favour of the sects may therefore be accepted as true; and it was to avert their influence that some of the principal Councillors, to whom the writer pointed out the danger of these sects, requested him to address the King to a similar effect, as he wrote at the time. Now he finds the Councillors inclined to the Earl and Admiral, neither of whom has ever been favourably disposed towards the Emperor's subjects; and since those who were well disposed have changed, it may be assumed that these two have obtained authority with the King. A proof of this is that nothing is now done at Court without their intervention and the Council mostly meets at Hertford's house. It is even asserted that the custody of the Prince and government of the realm will be entrusted to them; and this misfortune to the house of Norfolk may have come from that quarter. The majority of the people are of these perverse sects, and in favour of getting rid of the bishops, and they do not conceal their wish to see Winchester and other adherents of the ancient faith in the Tower with the Duke. Probably Parliament, which meets next month, will pass some strange acts. Thinks the King will always be in favour of maintaining the friendship with the Emperor, but his death would plunge everything here into confusion. The above explains why the better the news of the Emperor's success the more difficult does he (the writer) find this Council in his negociations.
	Captain Paulin is still here awaiting reply about the prisoners and the galley, and also about the delimitation of the Boulognais. There is no doubt that he hoped to carry through the intrigue already notified, but found the English unresponsive. They suspect that he is here to temporise until the Scots are supplied with provisions and munitions of war from France; and doubtless the Scottish embassy is directed to the same end, since the ambassadors tarry so long here doing nothing. The castle of St. Andrews is well victualled and firm for this King, although those who killed the Cardinal have now come hither. London, 24 Dec. 1546.
24 Dec.	606.Van der Delft to Mary of Hungary.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 371.	Writes to the Emperor that the King is so unwell that, considering his age and corpulence, he may not survive another attack such as he recently had at Windsor. If he succumb, there is slight hope of change for the better. The King is in London and the Queen at Greenwich—an innovation. The Court is closed to all but the Privy Council and some gentlemen of the Chamber, the rumor being that the King is busied about the affair of Norfolk and his son. Three days ago the Council promised to send the writer word when he might see them, but they are extremely busy about the prisoners, as he writes to the President.
	Mentions Paulin and the Scots as in his letter to the Emperor. London, 24 Dec. 1546.
24 Dec.	607. Selve to Francis I.
Corresp., No. 80.	M. de la Garde is still at London unable to obtain his despatch. At their audience eight days ago Selve and he were referred to another audience which took place on Sunday last. (fn. n2) The King of England arrived yesterday, news which is the cause of this despatch. London, 23 (sic) Dec. 1546.
	Fr.
24 Dec.	608. Selve to the Admiral [of France],
Corresp., No. 81.	Has just learnt that yesterday those here despatched a tall man wearing a black beard and a grey cloak and marked with a wound at the corner of the left eyebrow, to carry to the personage whom you know a despatch of importance. He was to leave last night or this morning by way of Southampton and Jersey, to land in Normandy at Granville, Pourbail, Coustances, or some other port beside the said isles, and pass by Camp, Bayeux or Lisieux to Paris or the Court. M. de Matignon should set some man of wit to follow or accompany him to the said personage, and then seize the man and what he carries. The man is English, but speaks French like a native. The Duke of Norfolk, his two sons, and some gentlemen are prisoners in the Tower and are not expected to escape with their lives, being charged with conspiracy against this King and the Prince his son. London, Friday, 24 Dec, before 2 a.m., 1546.
	Fr.
24 Dec.	609. Mary of Hungary to Van der Delft.
Spanish Calendar, viii., No. 372.	On the 19th received his letter of the 14th from the English ambassador, who informed her of the arrest of Norfolk and Surrey for influencing a large number of persons about the King to join them in deposing the King and seizing the government of the young Prince, perhaps with the intention of subsequently treating him like his father and taking possession of the Kingdom; Surrey had confessed the whole treason.
	Relates this because Van der Delft writes that he does not know the reason for their arrest.
	The French ambassador here, some time ago, expressed a wish for friendship between the Emperor's subjects and the Scots, and stated that his King would be gratified if asked to mediate. Fearing that his aim was to arouse English distrust, she replied that when the Scottish ambassador, through the French ministers, pressed for inclusion of the Scots in the treaty of Crespy he was told that no peace negociations would be undertaken except in accord with England. Being subsequently informed by the Kings of France and England that their peace treaty included the Scots, she sent an envoy to Scotland to learn how the Scots took it; who replied that they did not consider themselves at peace, but would send an envoy to negociate. They had since sent an embassy to England to discuss the inclusion. She would willingly listen to what the Scots had to say.
	After this the King of France again signified his ardent desire to be useful, and sent an envoy to Scotland (as he said) to charge the Scots to make peace on pain of forfeiting his friendship. The envoy passed this way and asked if she had any message, but she gave him none. The Imperial ambassador in France writes that the object is to get Scottish ambassadors sent to induce her to include the Scots in the treaty of Crespy; which she has no intention of doing. This may be told to the English ministers to hasten their making terms with the Scottish ambassadors, to whom he may say, if required, that she does not intend to negociate except conjointly with England. The Elector Palatine is sending the King wines which have passed through here in charge of a son of M. Antoine de Metz. Van der Delft must find out whether there is some new plot, as he was formerly sent to France. He is a tippler and in his cups blurts out all he knows. Sends the latest news of Germany, not from the Emperor's camp but from Spires and Mayence. Desires to know at once what the King means to do about the Boulognais claims. Binche, 24 Dec. 1546.
24 Dec.	610. Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., xi., 395.	On the 21st inst. Secretary de Laubespine came from his master and Council to report that, on Sunday last was sevennight, (fn. n3) a cousin of the French ambassador resident with Henry, coming in post with a packet for the French king, was at Dover stopped by the searcher, who searched both him and his servant to the skin, took from them about 80 cr., leaving them but 8 cr., and detained them until the Thursday night following, and meanwhile searched another courier from the said ambassador, taking from him about 40 cr., and detaining him from the Tuesday until the said Thursday. Laubespine said they marvelled that their couriers should be so distrussed, and that if the example were followed here neither king could be certified in time of weighty affairs, and they could not but think that the searcher had greatly offended. Answered that he did not know what commandment thus to act the searcher had, or had not; by an old statute no man might carry out of England above 40s. st., but as for the staying of them he wist not what it should mean; if they were stayed by the King's commandment a satisfactory reason would be given. Laubespine replied that merchants and others were indeed forbidden to carry out money, but he never heard of searching princes' couriers; merchant men and others might take order to receive their money by the way, but couriers could not rest by the way nor often pass through good towns, nor had they leisure to make their exchange before departing from England; Dover being a great resort of strangers of all nations, this event would be noised abroad as implying little amity betwixt their Majesties.
	Next day, going to speak with the French king, met the Admiral, who began to speak earnestly about their men being 'destroussés (for that odious word they use still) at Dover." They take it grievously and would fain have the searcher punished.
	After Laubespine had done with this matter he said that, as a post had come to Wotton out of England and they heard that the earl of Surrey was in ward, the Council desired him to send them word what the matter was. This question seemed a good occasion to require audience to show the French king the effect of the Council's letters of the 15th about the abominable intent of the earl of Surrey and his father the Duke of Norfolk; and, therefore, Wotton said that he had letters and meant to send to Court for audience, but, seeing that they had met, he would desire Laubespine to take the pains to send him word when the King would hear him And so next day he declared he whole effect of the said letters to the French king; who replied that, as it is the part of princes to govern indifferently, so it is their subjects' duty to be obedient and faithful; and, the prince being of God's institution, a subject who goes about to subvert him or his succession, "howbeit that he highly and in primo gradu (for these very words the King did use) offend his said prince, yet, thereby he offendeth more the common weal of the realm, depending of the prince and his succession" if Norfolk and Surrey had so done he knew that so wise, just and virtuous a prince would for no private affection act against them otherwise than right and justice required; and he asked if this matter were already proved. Answered that it was, by Surrey's confession, but the matter was in examination still. The French king wondered much thereat, having known the Duke as very earnest in the King's causes, but said that, having such a thing in his breast, it was no wonder that he disclosed it not to him (Francis), knowing the great amity between their Majesties. Replied that the Duke had indeed so "dissimuled" it as to deceive many. Then, observing that his good brother knew well how to order the matter, and desiring hearty commendations to him, the French king "rose up and departed."
	Thanks God for revealing the devilish purpose of those who have conspired against the King and his royal estate. Compiegne, 24 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	Pp. 6. Add. Endd.
25 Dec.	611. Lord Evers to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., V. 579.	Sends letters from two espials in Scotland which came respectively yesternight at 8 P.m. and to-day at 4 p.m. Berwick, 25 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	P. 1. Endd.: The lord Evers to the King's Majesty.
R. O. St. P., V.579.	2. My lord, as for news, the Governor and the gentlemen that were in the Castle of Sanctanderose are agreed that the house shall be given to the Governor as soon as absolution comes from Rome. In pledge they have delivered him the young laird of Grange and the earl of Reifvyn's brother, called the Ald Person.
	In a Scotch hand, p. 1. Subscribed as addressed to my lord warden of the East Marches of England.
R. O. St. P., v.579.	3. The Governor and Normond Lesle and the laird of Grange are agreed; and the Ald Persoun and the laird of Grange's second son are delivered in pledge that the house shall be kept to the Governor's behoof, Lord Lyndsay and the laird Woster Wemys being bound to him that it shall be kept from Englishmen. The Governor to make all haste to speed the pardon from Rome, and as soon as it comes home the house to be delivered. This post of France "that came through you" has told our lords that no peace will be kept betwixt France and England "becaus ze mynt at Sante Andros," and that the King of France and his army is to come over the hills to war upon England. Give credence to this by the token that your son caused you to leave the cards to speak with me in the window at our last meeting.
	In a Scottish hand, p. 1.
25 Dec.	612. Somerset Herald to Paget.
R. O.	Arrived at Haleborne (fn. n4) with the bp. of Westmynster on the 24th inst. Signor Barnardino will have signified the breaking up of the Landgrave's camp; and bearer, Blew Mantell, who was present, can relate it. Cannot tell the reason until he has been at Strawsburghe. The cause given here is that certain head towns began to withdraw their aid (through the Emperor's practice, apparently, to whom some of them have since surrendered, as Ulmes and Newrlynge). He marched away in good order with all his carriages, without hindrance, although he broke up at noon and burnt his cabins in sight of the Emperor, who marched towards the place and tarried beside it all that day and night in order of battle. Some say he was so glad of the Landgrave's departure as to let him go sweetly; who passed homewards through the bishop of Mens' country, wasting and spoiling, although the bp. is said to have given 40,000 "daldars" to pacify him. He also caused divers other towns to give him money. The Count Palantyne has surrendered, and others seek to come in; so that the Emperor now "triumpheth and thinketh to do wonders." The Count Bure marches to win the Landgrave's country, of which the Emperor promises him as much as he can win; and already he besieges Armystat, 3 leagues from Wormes. The Emperor levies 50 more ensigns of footmen at Collen, intending to finish the war in these parts this winter, and try to subdue Hamburgh and Breme. The Emperor is said to have deprived Otto Henryk and Duke Phyllyp of their estates. The Duke of Wyrtenberg has carried most of his substance to the strong castle of Hoghwyle and will take refuge there; while the Emperor sends the Duke of Alva to besiege one of his best towns, called Stokard, and so force him to come in. The Turk hastens down with two great armies, one for Hungary and the other for Genys. The Emperor prepares ships at Biskaye and has sent for galleys to Rome and elsewhere.
	Since my last being here things are wonderfully altered; and all men wonder why, for they (the Landgrave's party) always seemed to have "the better" and were ever the stronger in the field. There must have been treason among the commissaries of the head towns. The Duke of Saxon and the Landgrave always remained friends and marched homeward together. Intends to return with certain knowledge of these things. Haelbrone, 25 Dec. 1546. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add. Sealed. Endd.
25 Dec.	613. Thirlby to Paget.
R. O. St. P., xi. 389.	Wrote to Mr. Wotton (copy sent by Signor Barnardyne) the various rumours spread when the Lansgrave left the camp wherein he lay so long near Lawingen and near Sowntam. Barnardyne, to get certain knowledge of the dissolution of either camp, followed the Emperor to Norlinge, and then Thirlby despatched him with letters (copy herewith) to the King. Since the Lansgrave left these imperial towns (confederate with the Duke of Sax and Lansgrave at Smallcalde) have surrendered to the Emperor, viz., Nörlinge, Dingelspill and Rotenburgh, before Barnardyne departed, and Hale in Swevia and Halebrun alias Haltprun since. On the 23rd inst. the burghmasters of Ulmes, kneeling before the Emperor as he came from mass, rendered their town to his mercy. Is told that Hale gave him 50,000 fl. as penance. The Duke of Wirtenbergh makes daily suit for grace, which the Emperor will accept when he has obtained one or two of the strongest holds as a curb upon the Duke hereafter. Hears not that Strausburgh or Ausburgh have yet offered to submit, but that Chartell, (fn. n5) captain of the band of August, has spoiled the country about Townward, Tillinge and Lawingen. The Duke of Wirtenbergh's submission once made, Strausburgh and Ausburgh will soon come to an appointment. Musika, who acts as commissary for victuals at Tonwarde under Francisco de Warte, being at Nörlinge with the said Francisco, told Thirlby that the Emperor practised with the Countie Palatyne to bring the electorship to the son of the Duke of Bavare who married the King of Romans' daughter. Can get no confirmation of this. The Countie Palatine, two days after coming to Hale, made very lowly submission; but the Emperor gave him "a strange countenance" and remitted him again to Grandevela. On repairing to the Emperor another day he had better countenance, and some gentlemen of the Court accompanied him to his lodging, which was not far from the Emperor's. He is said to be wholly the Emperor's again, but Thirlby cannot hear that he sues for any other. The Emperor's horsemen, 10,000 or 11,000 lie in the Duke of Wirtenberg's villages hereabouts. Upon the expected determination with this Duke and with Auguste and Strauseburgh, the Emperor will either to Spires or Wormes, to keep a Diet and to be near the Lansgrave. Until the Lansgrave's departure his power was thought not inferior to the Emperor's, and now every man says A Domino factum est istud, et est mirabile in oculis nostris. Apparently the cities were weary of furnishing money; his men cried "gelt, gelt" for two or three days before he left his camp by Sowntam. Yesterday certain light horsemen were repulsed from a walled village of the Duke of Wirtenbergh's, and to-day the Prince of Salomona is gone with a good band of horsemen to sack it. Dr. Vasallius, one of the Emperor's physicians, dining with Thirlby to-day, said that the County Palatyne travailed that the Duke of Wirtenbergh might come to the Emperor, which Duke long ago wrote to the Duke of Bavare to intercede for him; for rather than be an outlaw for 14 years, as he once was, he would give all his preachers to the Emperor to make a sacrifice. Not hearing of Barnardyne's arrival in England, encloses his letter written on receipt of Thirlby's despatch. As Paget enjoined him to be no niggard with the King's purse, despatches herewith Bluemantell who has diligently noted events in the war. Begs favour for him.
	Knows (fn. n6) not what to write "against those two ungracious, ingrate and inhuman non homines, the Duke of Norfolke and his son, the elder of whom I confess that I did love for that I ever supposed him a true servant to his master." Can only thank God, who has opened this in time, and heretofore has so wonderfully stopped the malice of such as imagined treason against the King, "the chief comfort, wealth and prosperity of all good Englishmen next unto God." On Christmas Even about 3 p.m. Somerset arrived with the Council's letters of 15 Dec, showing the malicious purpose of the said two ungracious men, and Thirlby sued for audience with the Emperor, who arrived half an hour later. The Emperor desired him to tell the matter to Secretary Joyse, for he would repose for three or four days, and had therefore refused audience to the Nuncio and the ambassadors of France and Venice. This Christmas Day, at 9 a.m. Joyse came; to whom he declared the said treason, as instructed, saying that he was commanded to open it to the Emperor who would rejoice that his good brother had discovered it in time. Joyse said he would advertise the Emperor, and, "after a little talk of the 'haultenes' of the earl of Surrey," bade farewell. Joyse said that Grandevela was not yet come, but he would advertise him hereof, for he wrote daily. Will answer the Council's letters apart. Begs to be excused to the King, to whom he dare not write, as to do so would only renew the memory of these men's ingratitude. Encloses a schedule of Court news just learnt by Honynges. Secretary Joyse prays him to send the letters enclosed for the Emperor's ambassador in England. Halebourne, Christmas Day, at night, 1546.
	Hol., pp. 6. Add. Endd.