Henry VIII: August 1524, 12-20 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1875.

'Henry VIII: August 1524, 12-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530, (London, 1875) pp. 251-258. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol4/pp251-258 [accessed 27 April 2024]

August 1524



12 Aug. R. O.	572. WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.
	[The letter printed under this date in the State Papers, I. 150, belongs to the year 1526. See St. P. IV. 449, note 2.]
13 Aug. Calig. B. VI. 377. B. M.	573. QUEEN MARGARET to [NORFOLK].
	Neither she nor the earl of Arran can be content that Angus should enter Scotland. It would create great confusion. The old feud will begin where it was left; and if Norfolk suffers him, she will be compelled to "tyne" her friends, seeing that Angus is more set by than herself. She must be excused if the means that she has taken to please her brother should fail by the Earl being sent into Scotland at the suggestion of Dacre. If they insist, she must find other friends to keep him out of the country. Dacre does everything to displease her, as appears by his writings;—has appointed certain lords without her advice to rule her son. If she lose the principal authority, these lords will soon turn to other parties than England. Begs him not to support the promotion of William of Douglas, or any others, without her consent. 13 Aug. Signed.
	Hol., pp. 4.
13 Aug. R. O.	574. MARGARET OF SAVOY to WOLSEY.
	Writes to ask the King to write to the Pope for the deliverance of the prince of Orange, prisoner in France, and wishes Wolsey to do the same. It will be no small service to the Emperor, for he holds the Prince in great favor. Brussels, 13 Aug. 1524. Signed.
	Fr., p. 1. Add. Endd.: 13 April 1524.
14 Aug. Calig. E. III. 57. B. M.	575. FITZWILLIAM to HENRY VIII.
	* * * ... had taryed a lande there f... of the same daye and yf we shu[ld have tarried much] lenger, the tyde wold not have served us t[o] ... shulde have been forced to have taryed, v... thought best the said ships and faughbors ... bootts in as good ordre as we might and s... reacoyle above two personnes and yet the said ... on us thre tymes and in the feight with theym ... above a dossyn personnes, thanked bee God, howbe [it] ... good chepe on their part, and soo we borned thre ships ... x. others and the said faughbors and brought aweye ... ordenance, two slyngs of irne, a fawconne of brasse ... vi. serpyntyns with xi. chambers, and viii. hagbusshes. [And please it your] highnes, your gentilmen servaunts and subgietts of th... [have done] their parts herin as well as might bee possible. A[nd if I had] knowen the said place afor as well as I now doo ... the good in England have brought theym thider ... were my guyds will now seye it had not been conv[enient to] have soo doon."
	Will be at the Seyne head th... morrow, if the wind holds, where he will [stay] if he have victuals. On Friday next [will finish] his victuals. Begs the King, if he wishes him to stop at sea, to send word to Portsmouth to provide for him. If the King wishes him to send any of his company with his ... there are small ships enough to put them in. At sea between Treapport and Seyne head. Sunday night, 14 Aug. Signed.
	Mutilated, p. 1. Add.
[15 Aug.] Calig. B. I. 326. B. M. St. P. IV. 104.	576. WOLSEY to NORFOLK.
	Has received his letter dated Berwick the 7th, with the articles and writings from the Queen of Scots; the letter of the young King to Henry, and one to Norfolk from Arran, with copies of the Duke's answers to the said Queen. Has read them to the King, who was much pleased with his nephew's letter, and with the oath of fidelity made by some of the Lords. He commends the queen of Scots' prudence, on which both the King and himself have written to her. Sends the letters, with others from the King, to the king of Scots and the Lords who have taken the Queen's part, with one of Wolsey's to the Chancellor. His last letters will have instructed Norfolk how to act in some points. Does not approve of his attempt to reconcile Angus to the Queen, seeing that she is so averse to it. If he were admitted into Scotland it would diminish Arran's authority, and perhaps make him join the opposite party. Besides, the bishop of St. Andrews might win over Angus to oppose the King's authority, and it would be very difficult to reconcile Arran and Angus, seeing that the latter slew Sir Patrick Hamilton, Arran's brother, and would have killed Arran himself if he could. He must therefore write to the Queen, making semblance to give up his suit in that behalf, excusing it to Angus as done from policy to prevent the bishop of St. Andrews from doing mischief, and telling him that, for the preservation of his honor, the King proposes he should pretend to have certain things to be treated of with the King and his Council "touching the componing of the matters of England and Scotland," and repair to court. "And, to be plain with you, it shall be dangerous for his escaping away; and being here a small time, and peradventure put in the commission as ambassador from the king of Scots to the King's grace for treaty of peace, he shall mowe return and have his causes so componed, that it shall, God willing, be highly to his contentation." Thus he may induce him to repair to court by small journeys. If he cannot get him to consent, he must detain him in England. Signed.
	Add.: The duke of Norfolk, the King's lieutenant in the North parts, treasurer and admiral of England."
15 Aug. R. O.	577. SIR ROBT. WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
	Has paid to Briswood, according to Wolsey's warrant, the 4,000l. left by Robt. Fowler. Asks to be released from paying the pension of 100l. to Sir Nic. Carew. If he has to pay it, cannot continue in the office. Calais Castle, 15 Aug. 1524.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
16 Aug. R. O.	578. SAMPSON to WOLSEY.
	Wrote last June 30. On July 1st a man came from the Sophia, and had audience on the 2nd. He spoke his message in such a low voice that the Emperor could scarcely hear it; which was the wisest point that Sampson saw in him, as the message was the simplest he ever heard, and more worthy of silence than speech. Fears from this that he is a counterfeit messenger, and has heard it said by some expressly. The Emperor sat under his cloth of estate, "in an alte forme," with three steps, which the messenger ascended on his knees, kissing the ground, and then offered to kiss the Emperor's foot, but kissed his knee. He spoke in Italian, but so low that both the Emperor and the Chancellor had to bow down their heads to hear him, and he would not rise from his knees though the Emperor commanded him, more like a suppliant than a prince's messenger. Though the Chancellor told him many times to address himself to the Emperor, yet he turned his face to the former, with whom it seems he was best acquainted. His message was this: As the Emperor is called emperor of Almain, he went thither to find him, but found his brother, and came hither from him. Here he paused, as though he had no more to say; and the Chancellor bade him show the Emperor his credence, and what his master intended. He then said that his master had not and would not have any peace with the Turk, who keeps no promises, but makes peace with one to obtain his purpose from another, and so deceives all men. At these words he kissed the Emperor's knee and departed. Does not think the words were spoken as well as he has written it. They say it is more than a year since he was with his master. His person is as simple as his words; and though the Emperor has given him raiment, "all doth nothing fashion him like an honest man."
	The same day posts came from Flanders, England, and Milan. The Chancellor told him that there were now in the army of Milan, with Bourbon, 6,000 Spanish and 5,000 Almain foot, and that he would have 5,000 more Almains on June 20; that the rest would be Italians; and that he had a great number of horse. But now Sampson hears but little comfort of the army. The Emperor said one day that the King would not contribute until the entry of the army,—as if that were the cause of the hindrance. Told him that this was the agreement, and that he desired nothing more at the time. Hears more of the taking of Marsyle, and placing a garrison there, than of making "garre garryable" during the winter; but, on the other hand, that the town wants nothing for defence, and that the French king is the stronger at sea. Is told that the Chancellor does all he can to bring the Emperor to Italy, but the Emperor will be sure to inform the King, as he will need his aid.
	On July 15 another post came from Flanders and England, and the Chancellor told him that Bourbon had forwarded to England an answer to Pace's instructions; that the King had forwarded another 100,000 ducats for Bourbon, who had entered, "but syns thes newis hath beyn very coulde;" and that the Emperor's fleet had shut up the French in Villafranca. Thinks this is not true, as the French fleet is stronger than the Emperor's.
	The Emperor left Burgos, July 21, and arrived at Valladolid on the 31st. Sure news has come of the taking of the prince of Orange as he was passing Villafranca with three brigantines. His ship sailed so far into the French fleet, mistaking it for the Emperor's, that he could not escape, but the other two vessels did. Many Burgundian gentlemen were taken with him, and young Guldeforde, to whom Sampson had sent the King's licence to return. His father also had written to ask Sampson to induce him to return with all speed. His servant took more than six days about the journey, instead of three, and did not arrive at Barcelona, where the Prince had waited for a passage, until he had left. The Prince went against the will of the Emperor, who says he could not have given him licence, but that he feared he would have gone without. Was told by him that the French king would have all the Swiss, but no Almains, as is reported here. August 7, the Portuguese ambassadors were with the Emperor, and the marriage articles between his sister and their master were sworn. He is now holding his Parliament or "Courtes." The marriage will be a great color to levy money, but he thinks it will "not yet come to the Portugallis hands." Was told by one who heard it in the court, that the King of Portugal's sister is a very goodly woman, "and hyrre worde and dyvyse is this,—aut Cæsar aut nihil."
	As he has often written, whatever money is levied here, he does not think that the Emperor will be able to do any great feat.
	The ambassador of Sophia has since said that his patrono intended to have advanced against the Turk last April, and that if the Emperor will attack him on this side, he will not desist. This augments the estimation of his message but little, as there is no knowledge, as yet, of any attack on the Turk. He says his patrono was christened, and lived for 12 years in an Armenian monastery, where he was taken by a servant, when his father and brethren were killed by the king of Persia.
	A dispensation for the Portuguese marriage has been sent for. The Courtes are dissolved after sitting nine or ten days, and nothing is concluded, and no money advanced. August 13th, another post came from Flanders and England, and one from Bourbon. On the 14th, the Chancellor told him that the Emperor would send to England to ask the King to keep his appointments; for on the 26th July, Bourbon had not received the 100,000 cr., and feared that he would not have it at his need; that the Emperor has sent 200,000 cr. as his share, and is providing for another 100,000 by means of the marriage with the king of Portugal, for which he will have 50,000 from Naples; and the Viceroy, by pledging and selling lands, will furnish the rest. He said also that a messenger from the French king's mother had been long in England, and had been sent back to France; on which Robert Tete had written to Wolsey, adding that whenever any offers had been made on this side, the Emperor had always advertised the King of it, and sent copies of everything.
	Used as good words as he could about these matters, of which he knows nothing. Said that hitherto the Emperor had no cause to complain, for the King had kept his appointments; and that whatever Wolsey attempted was sure to be to the wealth and honor of both princes. John Allmaine says that the French, both in Italy and France, give out that England has desired them to send thither for peace, and that they are sure of England. Wolsey can see the weal of the affairs more clearly than they do here; for they are blinded by so much folly, that, though desirous of peace, which is greatly needed, they run stumbling till he fears some great fall. By the despatch to Rome they wish peace or truce to be set forth, according to the instructions sent before, with the advice of the Viceroy and the consent of Bourbon, who was within eight or nine leagues of Marseilles on the 26th July, and with great hope of taking it, and all Provence is glad to receive him. Wolsey will, however, hear this better from Pace. Has given a copy of the article of indemnity to Allmaine at his desire, which they would not hear of before. Wolsey will do a most gracious act if he brings these men by force to peace, or else this Chancellor will never yield to reason, notwithstanding his master's poverty. The Chancellor told him that the queen of Scots' husband had escaped from France with a brother of his, and has promised to bring the young King into England. They say Bourbon has entered France, but not far, as he thinks. Perceives by word, that are not very clearly spoken, that though he wanted his horsemen and many of his footmen coming out of Milan, (fn. 1) the Chancellor says that those who are to be paid by both princes are already in France, which is thought sufficient to have the King's contribution. Advises Wolsey rather to waste some good sum to bring matters to a good end than to continue inestimable waste without profit or honor, and with no small danger, for want of mutual aid, which cannot be hoped for here, on account of poverty, not from want of good mind in the Emperor. Prays God for peace, "for here, if all the world should else sink and utterly be destroyed, except the duke of Bourbon may have his intent, we be blinded from any means of peace, only towards him the respect is so much." Valladolid, 16 Aug.
	Hol., pp. 9; part cipher, deciphered by Tuke. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace, en Ynglatierra.
16 Aug. R. O.	579. CHARLES V. to DE PRAET.
	I have received your letters containing an account of how you and the sieur de Courrieres have succeeded with the King and Legate. I am sure that you are not to blame for not having obtained more. If what has been said to you takes effect, it will not be a bad beginning: but we are afraid lest delay should ruin the present success of our affairs (fn. 2); for we hear from Bourbon, the marquis of Pescara and our other captains in Provence, that on the 13th of July there was no news either of the first 100,000 cr., or of the second, which, as you wrote, the King was going to provide. You know that we had determined to pay Bourbon's expenses, if Henry would invade France, which there seems no appearance of his doing this year; or, if the King prefers to furnish half our army, we were willing to have given Bourbon 300,000 ducats, if the King would have done the same. We hear he has not yet done his part, which injures our common interests, and will do so still more unless it is remedied, as our army is the only one in the field, and is unprovided with money, except what we have sent, though strong enough to give battle. If the plague in Lombardy has caused delay in the descent of our gens d'armes des ordonnances, and if our fleet has proved weaker than that of the enemy, we cannot alone sustain the whole expence, which we have increased from our assurance that the King would share it. The army has been in Provence since the 1st of July, and has taken Grace and other towns. You must beg the King and Legate to consider all this, and that we cannot possibly carry on the war alone, nor would it be reasonable for us to do it. We have sent some Almains and cavalry to make a diversion in the direction of Perpignan, and have ordered ships to be retained to transport them to the army if necessary. We have ordered the parliaments of Arragon and Catalonia to assemble before the Viceroys for the supply of money and troops, and we write to the viceroy of Naples to send another 100,000 ducats as soon as possible to Bourbon, which will complete the sum of 300,000, not including our forces by sea and land. You must remind the Legate of his having said that he would not allow Bourbon's army to be broken up for lack of money, and must require him to complete with all diligence the sum of 300,000 ducats, which would keep the army for some time, and enable them to do some good exploit, so as to force the enemy to take peace or truce. If the army were to be disbanded, it would be impossible to make the enemy listen to reason. Whatever happens, we will never treat without the King's consent, feeling sure he will act in the same way. You are to tell them that the marriage between the king of Portugal and our sister Dame Katharine has been sworn to per verba de futuro, and will be celebrated when the dispensation arrives. This alliance will be to our common interest. Valladolid, 14 Aug. 1524. (fn. 3)
	Since writing we have received your letters of July 22.
	Lurcy has arrived with news from the camp, from which we expect that Provence is now in Bourbon's hands. You must believe the reports from our side, rather than those of Robertet, "qui a fait feste de peu de chose." 16 Aug.
	As to the Legate's saying that their contribution ought only to begin from the date of the entrance of the army into the enemy's country, you must assure him that this was on the 1st of July. Those who remained behind were our ordnance kept at our own expence. We believe the fresh Almains are already at the camp.
	Fr., copy, pp. 4.
17 Aug. Vesp. C. II. 176. B. M.	580. SAMPSON to WOLSEY.
	Wrote yesterday by the Emperor's post. Sends this by an Englishman faithful to his Grace, who will inform him of the bishop of Pacence. The Chancellor is entirely bent upon the affair of Bourbon, though all the world else be in danger. Thinks if peace be not concluded nothing can be done next year. Surprise is expressed that the King's money is not yet with Bourbon, and that the French king's mother's servant stays so long in England. Believes the Emperor's money is not paid for all they say of the King's. Fears unless England change his mind the Chancellor will persuade the Emperor never to hear of peace. The marriage articles are sworn to between the King of Portugal and the Emperor's sister. The court remains in Valladolid until the dispensation comes from Rome. Wolsey's communication with Robertet excites suspicion here. Valladolid, 17 Aug.
	Hol., pp. 2. The cipher deciphered by Tuke. Add.: To my lord Legate's grace, en Ynglatierra.
17 Aug. R. O.	581. BARRELS.
	Indenture by which Thos. Paxse, master of the Maudelen of Deptford, acknowledges the receipt of 6,900 clapoll, 286 last of scovys called barrel boards, with the heads, 6 last of heads, and 1,200 large "bowthems," from Wm. Seyntpeir of London, by order of the King, and which he undertakes to convey to Portsmouth for 7l. 13s. 4d. 17 Aug. 1524. Signed with a mark.
	On the dorse: Paxse's receipt for the freight. 10 Sept. 1524.
R. O.	2. A similar indenture between Seyntpeir and John of Barowe, master of the Christoffer of Calais, for 8,900 clapoll, 2,100 large bothems, 2,000 pipe and hogshead hoops, 96 barrel boards, with the heads, and 23 tun 1 pipe of hogsheads and pipes. The freight to be 5l. 13s. 4d. 17 Aug. 1524. Signed with a mark.
	On the dorse: Barowe's receipt for the freight. 10 Sept. 1524.
19 Aug. Cal. B. VI. 353. B. M. St. P. IV. 108.	582. WOLSEY to NORFOLK.
	Has received his letters dated Berwick, the 12th, which have been fully considered by the King and Council. Norfolk must have received full instructions by last post on all points therein contained; and the King thinks it dangerous to change his policy till it be seen what effect will come of his assurance to the nobles of Scotland, and his devices to get the Chancellor sent hither in embassy, by which he might be drawn to the King's side, or detained in England. This policy is thought more hopeful than that of using Angus, who, it is to be feared, if he cannot be reconciled to the Queen, may fall in with the Chancellor and Albany. Until he find that no regard is paid to the King's offers, he must not, for any vaunt of influence made by Angus, attempt the practice of subduing the Chancellor, or curbing the authority of the Queen and Arran. Norfolk must beware of light reports of the borderers. If any abstinence be taken, by virtue of his commission, for six, nine, or twelve months, and the Scots induced to send ambassadors for peace, the King trusts his doubts will be removed. The reason Wolsey writes so tenderly to the Chancellor is not to advance his authority, but for fear the Queen's party will not have power completely to subdue him. Has therefore written to induce him to come to England in embassy, when he may be brought to the King's devotion, or kept here. If means can be found to put him in strait custody, and deprive him of all authority, the King would rather it were done today than tomorrow. Hampton Court, 19 August. Signed.
	Pp. 3. Add.
20 Aug. Lanz. I. 139.	583. GERARD DE PLEINE, LORD DE LA ROCHE, to CHARLES V.
	Gives an account of his proceedings in Italy. Has delivered the Emperor's letters to the Pope, and declared his desire for peace. As, according to the treaties between the Emperor and the King of England, one cannot enter into such negotiations without the other, De Pleine proposed to ask the English ambassador whether he had power to treat. The Pope expressed great satisfaction. Has, however, no hope of concluding peace or truce, because the French king has here only the count of Carpy and a secretary; and the Count wishes the King to give battle, and return into Italy. The archbishop of Capua has departed from England to arrange, if possible, a conference (journée) for peace, between some persons on the Emperor's part, the regent (Louise) on the part of France, and the cardinal of York for England. The English ambassador seems ill instructed respecting peace, and his instructions are to make truce until April, which would be the worst market we could make. Has informed him the Emperor would not consent to a truce for less than from three to five years. The ambassador has asked whether De Pleine had the obligation concerning the indemnity. Replied there is no need for it, if Francis binds himself to pay during the truce. Desires the Emperor to send the obligation, for it would not bind him more than he is bound already.
	Mons. de Beaurains and Richard Pace have written to De Pleine that the kingdom of France has been gained, and that the army requires 100,000 ducats a month. The French king has left Lyons for Vienne. He will soon have a large army. The Emperor's great ships have retired into port. The duke of Genoa cannot furnish any, and is afraid of losing Genoa. Rome, 20 August.
	French.
20 Aug. R. O.	584. SCOTLAND.
	"Statutes made in Parliament at Edinburgh the 20th day of August, the year of God 1524 years."
	1. The privileges of "Halikirk" to be maintained.
	2. The three estates decree that Albany "has tynt his office of tutorie and governance," and that the King shall use his own authority.
	3. No remission shall be given for slaughter committed upon aforethought felony since the King's last coming out of Stirling, or for three years to come.
	4. Regulating the rate at which French money shall be received.
	5. Old statutes touching pluralities to be put in force.
	6. Justice eyres to be holden throughout the kingdom to put a stop to murders and other enormities now so common.
	7. Concerning persons accused of treason.
	8. A justice eyre to be held in Edinburgh on all who have "broken the erde of the myne and laborit therin," or carried gold out of the country.
	9. Regulating the value of gold coins, as gold goes out of the country in great quantity, because it is cried to a higher value elsewhere.
	Pp. 2.