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22 July.
Poli Epp.
III. 31.
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522. Card, Contarini to Card. Pole.
My servant John has brought me your letters, together with
your diligent annotations upon the little work (fn. 1) of mine which I sent to
you to correct. Jokes about transcribers' errors. Card. S. Silvester
has read the articles, and writes that he sees nothing to correct. Ex
Bon. (Bononia?), 22 July.
Latin.
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23 July.
R. O.
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523. Henry VIII. to Francis I.
We have received your letters by bearer, (fn. 2) one of your secretaries,
and heard his credence, containing specially two points : the one, the
injuries done you by the Emperor in detaining your possessions and
killing your ambassadors, which you were determined to revenge; the
other that you had made a league offensive and defensive with the dukes
of Saxe and Cleve, and the kings of Denmark, Sweden, and Scotland,
wherein you reserve an honorable place for us, with six months' space
in which to know our determination. We are not a little sorry to see,
by the dissensions of you two, being great princes in Christendom and
our friends, such an entry made to the common enemy, the Turk, unless
God provide some agreement between you, or other remedy. Touching
which agreement, you remember how we heretofore offered to be
a mean, but then you seemed rather to put your confidence in the
bishop of Rome, "so as the sequel declareth the matter to be nothing
amended, but in worse terms than it was before;" nevertheless if "our
wit, power, authority, or friendship" can do anything, we would yet be
glad to employ it for the quiet of Christendom. We heartily thank
you for your overture touching your leagues, but, as we have not used
to enter into any treaty without seeing the articles, we desire you to
deliver a copy of them to our ambassador there, to be sent to us; and,
if it be done with some diligence, we shall make reasonable answer
within the six months.
Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 5. Endd. : The minute of the
letter to the French king, xxiijo [Julii ao xxxiiijo]. The fly leaf mutilated.
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R.O.
St. P. IX.,
97.
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2. French translatior of the preceding in Mason's hand, corrected by
Wriothesley.
Fr. Pp. 4. Endd. : Minute to the French king — (blank) Julii
ao xxxiiijo.
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Calig. E. IV.,
112.
B. M.
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3. Copy of §2 in Mason's hand.
Fr. Mutilated, pp. 3.
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24 July.
Calig. E. IV.,
111.
B. M.
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524. The Privy Council to Paget.
The secretary Loubenny has been here with the King, bringing
a letter of credence in the French king's own hand, and has received
of the King's own mouth the answer shown by the copy (herewith) of
his Majesty's letters now sent to the French king. You shall, accordingly,
require the copy of their treaties with their new confederates.
If they speak of men of war sent lately to Calais and Guisnes, you may
answer that you hear of no number, but only of 200 or 300 sent for
defence of the King's pieces there, and that they should make no worse
interpretation thereof than the King does of their daily increasing their
garrisons towards his frontier. The Emperor and they being his neighbours,
and such preparation of arms on both sides, wisdom requires
him to look to the surety of his things. Guld[eforde], 24
July. Signed by Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Durham, Winchester,
Gage, and Wriothesley.
P. 1. Much mutilated. Address lost.
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R. O.
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2. Rough draft of the preceding. Undated.
In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 3. Endd. : Minute to Mr. Paget, xxiiijo
Julii ao xxxiiijo.
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R. O.
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3. Fair copy of §1.
P. 1. Endd. like the preceding.
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24 July.
R. O.
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525. Sir Edward Wotton to the Council.
The 3,000l. received, 29 May, by Mr. Rous, is fully issued in
empcions and wages for three months ended the 12th inst. The number
of men working "within the limits of payments" is now 825, and
the empcions continue very chargeable; and therefore, to save importuning
them by often sending, he begs to have 3,000l. sent, which
will scantily suffice till Michaelmas. Perceives, by their letters of the
13th inst., that the King is informed that his works in Wotton's payment
are not sufficiently overseen, and commands him to look to them
or else see that the overseers do so. The order of the works remains
still in charge of the Surveyor, for, hindered by sickness and the affairs
of the treasurership, Wotton has "in divers whole weeks since Candlemas
last," not been outside the gates. Two months ago, conferred with
the Surveyor about the slowness of these works, who promised that he
and his deputy, the warden of the masons, would oftener repair to the
works. The lack of good clerks is such that divers of the garrison have,
with the lord Deputy's licence, been appointed overseers of the works.
Protests his desire to serve. Calais, 24 July 1542.
Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
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24 July.
R. O.
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526. Sir John Wallop, Anthony Rous and Richard Lee to
the Council.
Desire to report how the 7,000l. received from Mr. Deny, for
the works here and in the "Marrys," is spent, and what money will suffice
for three months more, ending 27 Sept. The first payment was for the
month ended 10 May, 1,174 men working at Guisnes and 507 in the
"Marys;" wages at Guisnes to the 30 horsemen, the two captains, and
their bands, Ant. Rous and Ric. Lee, the 16 gunners extraordinary, and
the said labourers, 992l.; wages to Mr. Wingfeld and his band, and
the said labourers in the Marys 352l.; emptions and carriages
715l. 6s. 8d. The second pay, for the month ended 2 June, 1,593
working at Guisnes and 505 in the "Marys," wages (as before) 1,068l.
and 465l., and emptions 664l. 6s. 8d. Third pay, for the month ended 5
July, 1,651 working at Guisnes and 587 in the "Marys;" wages (as
before) 1,270l. and 387l., and emptions 632l. 13s.; as appears by the
brief declaration of particulars sent herewith, which we, Ant. Rous and
Ric. Lee, certify correct as regards numbers of men and wages, but only
approximate as regards emptions, as the accounts are incomplete or
not examined.
Send also herewith the numbers now working at Guisnes and
the "Mares," with an estimate of the wages of them and the horsemen
(accounting these from 31 July increased to 100), the captains and
others aforesaid, and the emptions, for the months to end 2 Aug., 30
Aug., and 27 Sept.; which estimate will be under the mark, because
100 men have watched nightly this month for surety of the castle, the
utter gatehouse being pulled down, and the 108 chalder of coal remaining
of the provision made last year will only suffice two months.
Advise like provision of coal to be made now for next year. Last year
about 600l. was laid out for coal.
Perceive that the King will send over 1,000 footmen. If they are
to come hither, where shall the labourers now within the town be lodged?
The captains should bring their tents with them, for here is no place
unless they dislodge the gentlemen already here. Ant. Rous will see
that there is no want of victual. As for the 100 horsemen, I, Sir John
Wallop, am provided with the whole number; but all are not furnished
with horses and harness, as within three weeks they shall be. Guisnes,
24 July. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo.
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24 July.
R. O.
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527. Wallop to the Council.
"Advertisements from divers parts of France."
An Englishman that came from Paris says that, 8 days before he left,
they of Paris took up men to send to Picardy, Loreyne, and beyond the
Mountains. In Picardy sundry Frenchmen asked him if the King
would make war with them, or had required, or would require, his money
which the French king owes, saying, "they hoped that the King would
not meddle, for he is a good Frenchman, that is to say, he will not
war with them."
Other advertisements out of Amyas, from a gentlewoman that
"haunteth Monsr. de Vandosme much at his being there," I send
herewith.
By another way learns that those assembled about Abvill and elsewhere
are to keep camp by St. Powle, and dare make no enterprise until
word come from England and the French king. The Burgundians
await the like from the Emperor and the King of England, as the
French say. On Thursday, 20 July, three companions of Arde said
to their captain, "Captain, if ye woll give us leave, we know three good
prisoners, Burgonians, we woll go fetch them." He answered, "If you
find them upon our pale, take them; and if you fetch them out of
th'Emperor's dominion ye shall be hanged for the same." Women and
children are sent away from Arde, Monstrull, and other towns. This
morning, 24 July, general musters are taken all Boullenois over, for the
camp aforesaid.
Trusts they received his packet of letters despatched from hence 21
July. Signed.
P.S.—This day Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Pawlmer, and other gentlemen,
according to their promise to the gentlemen of Arde that were here, (fn. 3) went
thither; where they were received without the accustomed stay at the
gate, and had leave to go where they would, but went straight to Mons.
de Torsey's lodging, who rose up from table to receive them, and had
them to dinner, and used them very gently. In conversation, Mons. de
Torsey said he knew the King "was more French than I[mperial], and
so being, he doubted not but well to overcome the malice of th'Emperor;"
yet he had no commandment to begin war, but looked to hear from
Mons. de Vandosme to-night or to-morrow.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
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24 July.
R. O.
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528. Adrien De Croy [Sieur De Roeulx] to Wallop.
Has received his letter asking if the French saying, that they
will encamp at St. Pol, is true. If Wallop's messenger had not come,
would have despatched a gentleman this night to inform him that the
duke of Vendosme is marching within the Emperor's ground of Arthois
with 14,000 or 15,000 foot, 400 or 500 men of arms and artillery to
besiege Arras or Bethune. Has been at Arras preparing to receive
them, and trusts their coming shall be to their confusion. The French
king draws towards Spain with a great army. His army has entered
Luxembourg, and that of the duke of Cleves, in his pay, makes war in
Brabant and Liége. The Emperor is attacked unawares, for the truce lasted
still five years, and feels most the opening this war gives to the Turk.
As to the passport for Wallop's horses, has no news of it from the
Queen, but he may take them up, to pass by Gravelinghes or St. Omer,
for the writer is sure the Emperor would do much more than that to
please a servant of the King of England. To show how he trusts the
English nation, if there are any young men there who desire to see
war in the Emperor's service, will send money to raise them under some
English gentleman for captain. Hopes to be to-morrow night at St.
Omer, and there to hear news from him. Bethune, 24 July. Signed.
French, pp. 2. Add.
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24 July.
R. O.
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529. The War.
Letter of marque (granted by Jehan de Bois Lambert, sieur de
Precarre, captain of the castle of Toucque, lieutenant to the Admiral
of France, in the absence of the Sieur de la Meilleraye, vice-admiral in
Normandy) to Thomassin Nordest, captain of a ship called La Bonne
Avanture, of 30 tons, now at Havre de Grace, against the Emperor's
subjects. Honnefleu, 24 July 1542. Signed : Jehan du Boislambert.
Fr. p. 1. Sealed.
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24 July.
R. O.
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530. The Nuncio Capo Di Ferro to Cardinal Farnese.
(fn. 4) His Majesty (Francis I.) afterwards showed him of a new
defensive league between him, the Kings of Scotland, Sweden, and Denmark,
and the duke of Gueldres against the Emperor, of which, as a
matter of ceremony, and not because he cared about it, he had informed
the King of England, in case he wished to enter it, in order that he
might know the consequences if he offended the King of Scotland. Denmark
and Sweden had already taken a booty of grain from the Emperor's
subjects worth 100,000 ducats. Next year, when they had many barks
ready, and he had 400 ships, they would trouble the Emperor in earnest.
He added that all Germany was in arms with the contention between
Saxony and the Landgrave, and the duke of Brunswick; and he had
allowed Count William, who was lately here, to go against Brunswick,
for Saxony and the Landgrave were giving him (Francis) men, and had
offered to join him; and that poor Brunswick, like all others who
attached themselves to the Emperor, would be ruined, as Signor
Ascanio and his own Constable were. He made great demonstration
of affection and obedience to his Holiness. Three days ago they were
as discontented and enraged at his Holiness as now they are satisfied
and affectionate; but neither [condition] is to be counted upon, and if
at this last audience the Council had been mentioned it would have set
up the furies again. (fn. 4)
Italian. Modern extract from Rome, pp. 2. Headed : Del nuntio
Capo di Ferro, 24 di Luglio 1542, di Bion, al Rmo Card. Farnese.
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25 July.
Dasent's
A.P.C., 19.
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531. The Privy Council.
Heading, "At Chobham, the xxiij. of July," but no attendance
or business recorded.
Meeting at Windsor, 25 July. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford,
Russell, Durham, Winchester, Gage, Browne, Wingfield. Wriothesley,
Dacres. Business :—Recognisance (cited) of Thos. Morres, John
Westcote, and Wm. Spenser, of Windsor, to keep the peace.
[*** Next entry is 29 July.]
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25 July.
Kaulek, 435.
(Abstract.)
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532. Marillac to Francis I.
M. de l'Aubespine, the bearer, will report the delay which the
King made in their audience and all news of this country.
French. Headed : [London,] 25 July.
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Kaulek, 436.
(The whole
text.)
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2. Memoranda for L'Aubespine.
The delay of the audience because the Emperor's ambassador was at
Court, and to show coldness, the English thinking something was to
be sought, such as the marriage which, in his last audience but one,
the King mentioned to the ambassador. (fn. 5) The manner of the Councillors
before speaking with the King.
Having declared to the King, as instructed, (fn. 6) the causes which moved
Francis to war.
He said he could not believe it; and if true, it was strange that the
Emperor should have caused the ambassadors (fn. 7) to be killed. That he was
annoyed at this war, seeing how harmful it may be to Christendom.
That, as both princes are his allies and, as he thinks, friends, he formerly
did his best to pacify them; but as they suspected that he nourished
discord between them he gave up meddling, and now thanked God
that it was known that this rupture of the truce did not proceed from
him—using these words, that it could not be said that he had been
either the maker of that great amity that was believed to be between
them or the author of this war. That he will seek all means to agree
them. That it was true that when the King and the Emperor were on
terms of agreement, and even at the time of the Emperor's passage in
France, they had pushed him into a narrow corner, but, thank God,
he was still alive and not so little a king as he was thought. That he
had news that in France he was ordinarily said to be of small account
(qu'il ne pouvoit gueres). The pleasure he showed at hearing that the
war is begun. Saying that if the King takes the death of his ambassadors
as such an injury, why did he listen to the articles (fn. 8) which the Bishop of
Rome sent him about peace, and deliver others in reply, to which answer
was expected within three weeks? The answer made to this. He says
it is easy to believe that the King expects peace, since, with such forces
assembled, he executes nothing.
Having told him of the treaty of Sweden.
He says that the King of Sweden is too poor to help the King, and
the duke of Prussia too far off; the King of Denmark could help, but
the Easterlings were merchants who could very well do without war.
When he has seen the articles of the treaty he will decide whether to
enter it; but would first know if all those named by me as having
entered it, have signed it. The instance he made to know the contents
of the treaty, and the reasons why we would not show it, both to make
him believe the aid greater and to gain time. It were well first to
enquire whether he would sign league offensive or defensive; which he
will never do; and as it is to be presumed that he will not enter, he
need not know the contents. This would irritate him all the more; for
the preparations made since he spoke with us show that he is not a
little irritated.
Going to the chase he said he had just had news that between our
two armies of Cleves and Lucçambourt the enemies had interposed in
great force; and he asked what forces Mons. d'Orleans had, and what
captains. Also what forces and captains were in the army which the
King would lead in person, and in that of the King of Navarre, and what
in Piedmont. That he was assured that the King would not have so many
lansknechts as he wished; the answer being that some had to be turned
away. That it would need the revenue of three kingdoms to pay these
armies; answer being to explain the order put in the finances, and that
in three or four years the revenue had increased by three quarters, and
that there would be no want of money, for the fund and the revenue,
&c. That this entering upon war about the ambassadors will not be
greatly approved, because it is known that they were going to the Turk;
answer being, etc. (sic), that at the time Rincon was with him he never
invaded, and this loss of Christians of Buda did not happen. Whether
the King had sent to defy the Emperor and given his subjects time,
as accustomed to withdraw their goods? It was answered that
when the Emperor broke the truce the war was open, and the
Emperor felt that he had so offended the King that he held himself as
defied; there was more need for the Emperor to give defiance when he
meant to kill the King's ambassadors, for that was a wickedness and
evil will which could not be discovered, whereas the King's preparations
to obtain redress were so many, and made so near him that he
could see them from his windows, and his ambassador had not budged
from France, and continued to send men to the Emperor, who passed
and repassed freely. Assuring him, for his satisfaction, that the war
was really open, and that we were astonished that he had not yet had
news of what the King's armies had done. He asked moreover what
aid that poor little King of Sweden could give, and if the King of
Scotland was to make war too, who was so poor; [saying] that the duke
of Saxony had enough to do elsewhere, and that the enterprise which
he and the Landgrave made for the duke of Brunswick would end in
smoke, as Brunswick was supported by the Emperor and Empire, and
if they attacked him, especially during this expedition of Hungary,
they deserved to be set upon. It was true that the King of Denmark
could give some aid, and was making some enterprise, for he had arrested
several ships, even of his (Henry's) subjects, but had only taken out the
artillery and would, he expected, pay for it.
Being informed that the treaty is offensive and defensive without
exception, and with all forces, he remained greatly astonished and
annoyed. He was told that, if he would write to his ambassador in
France, the King would gladly send him a copy that he might enter it
at the honourable place kept for him. He promised to write. This
was done upon news of the footmen and horsemen already sent by Denmark
to Longueval, who was asking for more.
The ambassador, to confirm his late report (fn. 9) of the language used, renewed
it in my presence. The King answered that the Admiral began
it to his ambassador, who like a good minister, knowing his master's
friendship to the King, held the said language without charge, being sure
that he would not be disavowed. That the words held were but general.
That, assuredly, he was not going to enter into war without great provocation.
That the King must not find it strange that he reinforced
his garrisons beyond sea, seeing what they were doing at Ardres and
places near him; and the reply made him by the ambassador about it.
He said also that no faith was to be given to the Imperials' saying that
they were making a marriage (fn. 10) and obtaining money from him on account of
the Emperor's ambassador's late going into Flanders; which going was
only to settle a dispute about navigation. He had sent no person of
quality with the ambassador, as would have been done had there been
question of disbursing money upon surety or of treating the said
marriage. However, he confessed to us, what he has always hitherto
denied to the ambassador, that he had been much sought after for the
marriage and for money, but that no conclusion had been made.
The men that are enrolled secretly. All merchant ships commanded
to be ready. The dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk absent. Milord
Warden absent "sur les hancres." The saying of some gentlemen of
his chamber "qu'il falloit bien que ce roy fust de quelque costé." Eighty
pieces of artillery already at Calais. Gunners sent away in all haste.
After waiting till Monday, for they delayed my despatch because
they sent their courier on the Sunday at dinner, they sent for us to the
Council, where, under pretext of speaking of private matters, the Privy
Seal and Secretary took us apart and told us that I had come without
speaking of the pensions, which was the only quarrel between the Kings,
who for the rest were as good friends, &c. The reply of Marillac that
we had no instructions (que n'en avions riens), and that heretofore the
King had made overture to find some way of extinguishing that quarrel,
but without success, and that the King was ready to listen to all
reasonable "partiz." From thence we went to speak to the King, who
received us much more solemnly than usual, repeated his former language,
apologised that these letters (fn. 11) were written by his secretary,
and added that he wished to remain the King's good friend, and would
on his side continue the amity, thinking his brother so reasonable that
he would not give him cause to the contrary.
After the return from Court, "entendu qu'on avoit chargé quelque
nombre faulx de colliers, municions, etc." The plan of Ardres and
Therouennes. "Le pont de M. Hierome." The mariners retained.
600 men passed to Calais before my arrival.
Besides the above M. de l'Aubespine will remember to give the King
the following news :—That the eight ships prepared in the Thames,
of which Marillac has several times written, are ready to sail; and will,
whenever weather permits, proceed towards Antonne, to Porchemue,
where there is provision of victuals ready to be shipped within 24 hours.
No great personages will go in these ships, nor more men than needful
to work them. They are the King's ships. It is true that about Antonne
are 15 or 16 other ships likewise prepared; and there are said to be
7 or 8 others in the north, at Houlch, on the Yorkshire coast. Also
it is understood that this King is seeking to buy in Flanders 15 ships
of 200 or 300 tons, and is bringing a great quantity of munitions and
harness. The bp. of Waiseminster departed eight or ten days ago,
secretly, to go into Spain by sea. Lately arrived a courier from the
Emperor, who, without speaking to the Emperor's ambassador, came
straight to present his letters to the King, "laquelle fin ne se peult
entendre estans les affaires fors secrets."
French. Headed : Memoire.
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25 July.
R. O.
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533. Wallop to the Council.
Received theirs of the 21st on the 24th at midnight, and perceives
it is come to the King's knowledge that the wife of Barnard Greete,
a stranger born, having lands in France and a Frenchman to her son,
has often access to Fienes, whereby she is suspected to be a spy to
Mons. de Beez, and that the King, considering what intelligence is between
a man and his wife, desires both sent over to the Council. Has
this afternoon by advice of Mr. Rous, treasurer, and Mr. Pawlmer, one
of the captains, sent over Barnard Greete, and intends to send her
"along seas" to-morrow. On Tuesday, 17th (fn. 12) inst., Mr. Pawlmer, being
sick, wrote that he had a matter of importance to open. Went, with
Mr. Rous to him; who said there was a woman in the castle, a stranger
born and having a son in France, who was not only a spy to Mons. de
Beez, but so placed that, in an hour, she could destroy all the munition
in the castle. Wallop answered that he knew no other but Barnard
Greete's wife, who had the keeping of one Walter James, being sick,
who keeps the keys of all the munitions; "and if she be false, quod I,
then am I well at ease, for her husband is one that many times writeth
for me, whom I do take to be an honest man, and was written to in his
favour by Mr. Connyngesby, and report was made of him by divers
out of England that he was meet to be here and should do good service,
and, at my last being in England, Mr. Berkeley, of the Privy
Chamber, gave me thanks on his behalf, requiring me to be and continue
his good master; yet notwithstanding, I mistrusted him the same
morning by reason that, after I was up and ready, reckoning to have
finished my letters that I began overnight of the King's Majesty's
affairs, could not then find him within the castle, whereupon incontinent
I sent one to bring me sure word where he was, who did meet
with him coming out of the town. And at his coming towards me did
perceive that I was somewhat moved with choler, excused himself to
have been in the town mending of a doublet. And when I came there
where I am accustomed to write, I said to him, 'Bernard Greete, take
good heed what thou dost, for I do now put thee in trust of a matter
of great importance, and I do protest unto thee that there is none do
know the same but thou and I, nor none shall; and therefore if this
thing chance to be discovered it must needs proceed of thee and of no
man else, which shall be to thy utter undoing.' He being therewith
wonderfully abashed, saying that yet he did never deceive any that
hath put him in trust, albeit he hath been secretary to divers great
men. And with that I charged him upon his allegiance to be secret
in these things." Upon that declaration Mr. Pawlmer suggested that
she should be despatched out of the castle, and after discussion with Mr.
Rous and Mr. Pawlmer, Wallop called Bernard Grete and, without
telling him the matter, said he would convey most of the women and
children out of the castle, "and that my wife should be one of them."
He, "mistrusting somewhat the matter, with the water in his eyes,"
said he would send her to her brother, dwelling beside St. Omer's, of
the Imperial part, but had not money sufficient to send her away;
whereupon Mr. Rous, out of pity, gave him two crowns.
Upon reflection, decided to keep her in the castle until the King's
pleasure were known; and, on returning from the Great Master, asked
Mr. Pawlmer if he could learn further. He said she had been at
Fienes, and, within two days, he reckoned to know more. On the 17th, (fn. 13)
within an hour after Mr. Pawlmer first showed the matter, a gentleman
came from the Great Master, and Wallop was occupied entertaining
him until supper time, going next day to the Great Master, returning
on the Thursday, and writing his despatch on Friday. Had in the
meantime desired Rous and Pawlmer to examine Water James; who
said he kept his keys locked in a cupboard, the key of which he kept
in his purse, but lately, on going to Calais, he left the key of a gallery,
in which were certain pikes and handguns laid out to be delivered to
the captains, with Bernard Grete's wife. Determined, the Saturday
following, with Rous, Pawlmer, the Surveyor, and Mr. Vaughan to
examine both James and her further; but this examination is now left
to the Council, "saving that Pawlmer before her departure asked
when she was at Fyenes, she confessing to be there upon a jour de feaste,
about xiiij days past."
In his last, wrote that the Frenchmen should encamp at St. Poll.
To verify that, sent Guisnes to the Great Master with a letter cf news,
as occasion for him to send his intelligence. He returned a letter on
closed. Asks how to answer his proffer to entertain certain of the
King's subjects in wages. Will send him occurrants of Picardy and
Boulloynoiz, and so continue intelligence with him. Encloses a proclamation
published this day at St. Omer's. Guisnes, 25 July, 10 p.m.
Signed.
Pp. 6. Add. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo.
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|
R. O.
|
2. Order to the Count de Roeulx and the Council of Arthois (by
the Emperor, who was anxious to remain at peace with all princes,
especially the French king, in order to be able to turn his forces against
the Turk, the common enemy of Christendom, and therefore passed
unnoticed many practices made by the French king against him, until
now that the French king has advanced to pillage his subjects of Luxembourg,
and has induced the duke of Cleves to invade Brabant) to proclaim
throughout Arthois that all his subjects withdraw their goods
into the towns and fortresses, and that those who owe goods or money
to Frenchmen pay the same to the Emperor's officers. Dated Brussels,
19 July 1542, and subscribed as published at St. Omer, 25 July.
French. Copy, pp. 2. Endd.
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25 July.
Spanish
Calendar,
VI. II. No. 35.
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534. Mary Of Hungary to Chapuys.
Has delayed answering his letters of the 12th, 16th, 19th, and
20th inst., owing to Francis having, without previous challenge, invaded
the country in two places, viz., by Luxemburg on the 13th and
by Cleves on the 15th. Fears also that he is going to make a third
attack on the frontier of Arthois, though on the 12th, on the very eve
of invading Luxemburg, he positively declared to M. de Marvol, the
Imperial ambassador, that he would attempt nothing against this
country unless we gave him cause, yet he despatched his son Orleans
to Luxemburg, where he has taken Dampvilliers, a small town incapable
of defence, and may take several other places, as very few are fortified.
Has ordered Thionville and Yvoix to be strengthened with ordnance, &c.
On the side of Cleves, M. de Longueval and Martin van Rossen, who
has taken the title of Marshal of Gueldres, have penetrated into the
district of Vos le Duc (Bois le Duc), but have gained no place of importance.
They have taken Hochstrate, the country seat of the La
Laing family, but it is only a pleasure house. They threaten Antwerp,
but will find it no easy place to besiege, with our forces in their rear,
which can soon be concentrated.
Chapuys is to inform the King of this invasion, and see if the King
will feel inclined to succour the Low Countries; but only as if it came
from himself, unless he see a chance of getting some aid, however small,
by representing that if the French get possession of Flanders they will
dictate to the English, whom they will no longer care for. Chapuys
shall also thank the King for his warning touching the islands off the
coast of Holland, which the Duke of Holstein might surprise. Means
to see to their defence, and is arming a number of ships to prevent the
Danes getting near them. A few days ago our people captured near
Verre, in Zealand, a large ship of the Duke of Holstein's armed for
war, whose captain, on being questioned, confessed that he had been
sent by the Duke to explore the coast, and had already landed two men
in Holland, and was about to have landed two more in Zealand; also
that they were afterwards to have sailed for England, and learned what
armaments were being made ready there; then to cross to France with
letters from his master to the French king, which the captain threw
into the sea when he saw he would be taken prisoner. He pretended
to know nothing of the contents, but doubtless he was to report in
France what he had seen in Holland and England, and settle what his
master should do with the ships he is said to have armed and fitted out
for sea. He was then to revisit England, or if he met with contrary
winds come back to this sea and capture and rob as many English ships
as he could. We are determined to have him examined afresh and put
to the torture if necessary, to reveal the whole truth; and, if anything
concern England, we will let the King know.
The navigation edict was already revoked before receipt of Chapuys's
letter of the 12th, and the governor of the English merchants here has
written that he is satisfied. If Francis's secretary (fn. 14) spoke to the King
in the terms specified in your letter to the Emperor, it was quite in
accordance with what the [French] king himself said on the 12th to the
Emperor's ambassador, two days before he commenced war on this side,
viz., that he would continue to be friendly as long as we did not give
him occasion to be otherwise. So Henry will be able to judge of
Francis's sincerity.
Should the Emperor address letters to her by way of England, begs
Chapuys to have them forwarded with all speed as he did those which
she wrote to the Emperor in Spain. M[alines], 25 July 1542.
From a draft at Brussels.
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25 July.
Poli Epp. III.,
99.
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535. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Cervini.
There arrived here this morning one Alessandro de Bologna,
with two English youths, who said they were Flemings, but were
recognised by some of Pole's household for English. Alessandro says
he comes from London, where he dwells, and was taking the youths to
Messer Francesco Casale, who had asked him to get him an English
youth as a servant. Alessandro varies in his story, and is recognised
as one of the King of England's equerries (cavallaricci), so that it might
be well to speak with Casale and learn the truth. Does not suspect
the youths, who appear simple, but this Alessandro, their guide. Encloses
a letter from Alessandro to Casale, and another letter which he
carries to Bologna, which may be returned to him. As he writes to
Casale that he is going to speak with him on the matter he knows, it
would be well to ask Casale what that is, and send word to Pole,
who will then interrogate Alessandro, and see whether they tally.
Has not examined him about this, so as not to offend Casale. Viterbo,
25 July 1542.
Italian.
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