Spain: September 1528, 1-20

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 2, 1527-1529. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

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'Spain: September 1528, 1-20', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 2, 1527-1529, (London, 1877) pp. 779-792. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol3/no2/pp779-792 [accessed 25 March 2024]

September 1528, 1-20

1 Sept. 537. The Emperor to Queen Katharine.
K. u. K. Haus-
Hof-u.Staats Arch.
Wien. Rep. P. C.
Fasc. 224.
Most serene Queen, most high, excellent, and mighty lady, my dearest and most beloved aunt: I have been told that the most serene King, your husband, is constantly trying to bring the Pope round to the opinion that your marriage is not a true one. A highly scandalous thing indeed (tan fea novedad) this would be if such a proceeding were to be attempted by the King, your husband, and my uncle, when it is notorious that he and you have been married for upwards of 23 years, by perfectly legitimate Papal bulls and dispensations, of which I possess the originals, and now enclose attested copies; and that out of the said marriage has issued so graceful and excellent a daughter as the most illustrious Princess of Wales, Doña Maria, my dearest and most beloved cousin. It is indeed very hard (recia cosa) to believe that a King and Prince, such as your husband is, should consent, much less try, to have it declared and published that the said Princess is illegitimate, and, at the same time, should doubt and contest the authority of the Pope as Vicar of Christ over this world.
I really believe that so evil a proceeding (tan fea novedad) as this does not spring from the King, your husband, but is caused by the advice of some of his ministers. It surprises me that Your Serenity does not write of what is passing about these matters, for it is right that everything should come to my knowledge, and that you should not be condemned before being heard.
I am well aware that all the bishops and doctors (obispos letrados) of that kingdom have been summoned, and told the truth to the King, your husband, and that he would not receive their opinion, as he wishes to take another wife, and intends following his inclination on that score. (fn. n1) Now I hear that Cardinal Campeggio is going to England, but I am certain—because the Pope writes me so—that nothing will be done to your detriment, and that the whole case will be referred to him at Rome, the Cardinal's secret mission (cargo secreto) being to advise the King, your husband, to do his duty. Putting aside these infatuations (estas abusiones . designios), the King is a good Christian, and having assumed the title of "Defender of the Faith," it is to he believed that he will act as such, and not bring matters to so scandalous a pass; yet in case the King, your husband, were so ill-advised as to act in opposition to Cardinal Campeggio's advice, I declare to Your Serenity that I place all trust in the Pope's sanctity and virtue. As he has been fully informed by me of all this business, I am persuaded that he will not allow so great an injustice as this, nor give sentence without hearing both parties.
However this may be, I beseech and recommend Your Serenity by no means to consent to the marriage being dissolved, to the great dishonour of the royal blood whence you are sprung, and the scandalous example to other Princes, whom, close as they are in consanguinity to us, this matter concerns almost as much as your own person, and who all hold it as such.
If, however, Your Serenity were to be so greatly sinned against, that the King, your husband, after giving you full hearing as befits between man and wife, would not consider and treat you as his legitimate wife, and the illustrious Princess of Wales, Doña Maria, as your own legitimate daughter, then every one of us must strive to make the King conscious of his duties, and aware of the error under which he lies, for you know well the love and affection which I and my predecessors have always borne to the house of England, and which myself bear towards it, notwithstanding the unjust challenge the King has lately made me, and his taking up the quarrel of his inveterate enemy, the King of France.
Your Serenity will give me great pleasure by sending me news of your health, and saying what more you wish to be done, not only in this matter, but also in all that concerns you, because everything in my power shall be most willingly done. Unless Your Serenity writes soon, I shall conclude that you are as ill-treated by the King, your husband, as the report here [in Spain] is. May it not be so, but may God bestow His grace on you both, that you may live together in matrimony as Mother Church commands, &c.—Madrid, 20th April 1528. (fn. n2) Your good nephew, "Yo el Rey."
Indorsed: "Respuesta á la Reyna de Inglaterra, 1st September 1528."
Spanish. Original draft partly holograph. pp. 2½.
3 Sept. 538. Juan de Urbina to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 152.
Is no historian, and therefore has no talent to describe in brilliant colours the battle of the 29th. Begs credence tor Captain Rodrigo de Ripalda, present bearer (later presente), who, having been present at all the late encounters, will relate better than he himself could the total discomfiture of the leaguers. Should His Imperial Majesty be satisfied with his behaviour on this and former occasions, he (Urbina) has good reason to think that they will be rewarded.—Naples, 3rd September 1528.
Signed: "Juan de Urbina."
Addressed: "To His most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. From Juan de Urbina."
Spanish. Original. pp. 2.
4 Sept. 539. Secretary Perez to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43.
f. 156.
Fancies that Captain Ripalda has not sailed yet, and therefore will relate what passed after the taking of Aversa. Though the Marquis of Saluzzo (Michaele Antonio) capitulated, nothing could prevent the soldiers from entering the city and sacking it completely. It is said that the Prince of Orange had most of the French treasure and valuables removed to the castle, under the keeping of Juan de Urbina, and yet a good deal of silver plate, money, and jewels was found in the dwellings of French officers and noblemen. A rumour, however, is afloat that, not contented with having well filled their pockets, the soldiers still insist on being paid all their arrears, which is next to impossible, as there is no money in the treasury.
On the last day of August Ascanio Colonna, the Marquis del Guasto and Filippino came here in one of Doria's galleys, and left almost immediately for Aversa in quest of the Prince. Andrea remains at Yscla (Ischia), watching the enemy's combined fleet, which dares not separate from fear of being attacked and beaten, though superior in number.
Gironimo (Girolamo) Moron has also written to Muxetula at Viterbo, announcing the victory, that he may inform the Pope. When his answer comes it will be known how His Holiness takes the news. (Cipher:) Some think that he will be glad; others that he will be sorry, under the impression that he will be asked for money for the support of the Imperial armies, according to the treaty signed at Rome.
(Common writing:) Some ships have anchored at Gaeta, laden with flour and provisions from Sicily, and having also three companies of Spaniards on board. These are soon to join Garci Manrique, who is engaged in taking Traietto, Fundi, and other places. The Prince of Malfi (Caracciolo) has evacuated every town he had in that district, and retired to San Germano. He will be soon expelled, not only from that place, but also from the whole kingdom.
Pedro Navarro is now lodging with Alarcon, who treats him very kindly, and nurses him with great care; but he (Navarro), as well as the rest of the French prisoners, cannot bear the disappointment which this last defeat has caused them, and is likely to die from it. Such is the case with Mons. de Laval, who, though only slightly unwell when he came, has got much worse of late. Saluzzo and Guido are allowed to move about as they like. Labret's brother will likewise be transferred to Alarcon's lodgings, that he may be there kept in custody.
Hears that the enemy's galleys have sailed off, and that Doria is going in pursuit in the hope of the Venetian separating from the French, in which case he is sure to attack them and have his revenge.
The Prince has again been struck by fever. On his return from Aversa he went to Castilnovo for change of air.
Some of the French, who capitulated at Aversa, when they came to Puçol (Puzzuolo) found the galleys gone. They will be obliged to return to France by land.
The barons and nobles of this kingdom have been requested graciously to offer a sum of money to the Emperor. They have asked for time to deliberate, and it is hoped that their answer will be favourable.
The island of Proxida has been given to the Marquis [del Guasto] until the Emperor decides who is to have it, its former lord having abandoned the place, and gone to France in the galleys.
Ecclesiastic affairs.—Doctor Solis, bishop of Benarea (Bagnorea) tells him (Perez) that Domenico Pastorello, a servant of the Papal Nuncio (Castiglione?), has taken to Spain the brief for suspending the Marquis of Astorga's marriage, also those for Don Pedro de Castro and the Church of Burgos.— Naples, 4th September 1528.
Signed: "Perez."
Addressed: "To His most Sacred, &c."
Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. Naples. Perez. 4th September."
Spanish. Original partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet. pp. 3½.
8 Sept. 540. The Same to the Same.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 163.
Owing to the Prince's and Alarcon's indisposition it has been impossible to despatch the messengers, and therefore will inform the Emperor of what has happened since.
The barons and gentlemen of this kingdom, as well as the syndics of this city, have agreed to present His Majesty with 200,000 ducats within twelve months, which the Prince and Council have accepted. They are now treating with bankers and merchants to get a portion of the money beforehand, that they may pay the troops; for although most of the Spaniards, the light horse, and men-at-arms have already left for the quarters allotted to them outside Naples, the Germans obstinately refuse moving unless they are paid.
Some good servants and vassals of the Emperor have been intrusted with the keeping and administration of the estates confiscated to the rebel barons until His Majesty decide what is to be done with them, and if any portion of the confiscated property is to be given over to those who remained faithful.
Lope de Soria has been instructed to procure as much money as possible from Thomasso de' Fornariis and others out of the bills not yet accepted, amounting to 200,000 ducats. All the said bankers have given him (Perez) does not come to 60,000 ducats. Out of the 33,300 owed by Stefano Centurione 11,150 were deducted, which, he said, were owing to his brother Agostino in Spain.
The Marquis of Saluzzo is much worse than was thought at first. It appears that, while at Aversa, he was wounded in the knee by a splinter of the stone wall which the besiegers were battering. A fistula has been formed, and the physicians fear for his life. The same may be said of Count Pedro Navarro and of Mons. de Labret, who are fast declining. Laval died the other day.
Two Spaniards retain at this place the body of Lautrech in the hope of getting a good price for it. Odd enough, as a friend remarked the other day, the wishes of that general came to be realised at last, for he was heard to say sometime before his death, "My God ! is it possible that I shall not be allowed to enter Naples !"
Count Benafra, a furious French partisan, has been arrested by his own vassals, who besieged him in one of his castles and brought him here. It is reported that, at a place not very distant from this city, the inhabitants seized all the Frenchmen, put them in an oven, and baked them.
(Cipher:) Has already mentioned the fact of the island of Proxida having been granted to the Marquis [del Guasto]. Wishes to know whether the Emperor will graciously confirm the grant. The island is fine and very important, to judge from the harm the French have done us ever since the last war. If a fortress be built on it, it would be a fine acquisition to the Crown. In the writer's opinion the Emperor ought to keep it, and only give away the lieutenancy.—Naples, 8th September 1528.
Signed: "Perez."
Addressed: "To His most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. From Secretary Perez."
Spanish. Original partly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet (.. 164). Pp. 2½.
8 Sept.
K. u. K. Haus-
Hof-u. Staats. Arch.
Wien. Rep. P.C.
Fasc. 227.
541. Don Iñigo de Mendoça, Imperial Ambassador in England, to the Archduchess Margaret, Governess of the Netherlands.
Has received her letters stating that as the meeting at Cambray is only intended for the settlement of certain sequestrations (confiscations) on both sides, which do not concern the English, there is no occasion for the King of England sending his representatives thither. The Cardinal (Wolsey) having read his (Mendoça's) letters of the 22nd of August on the subject is of the same opinion, and does not intend to appoint anyone. It is, therefore, desirable that Madame should not insist on this point, to avoid the many inconveniences that might arise therefrom.
With regard to deputies being sent to Cambray by the three guardians (conservateurs) of the truce, the ambassador's opinion is that Madame should make no such application, for it happens that Spaniards have inflicted more losses upon the French and English during the said truce than they themselves have sustained, and, therefore, it is better that Madame should say nothing about the deputies until their presence should be demanded by the guardians at the request of the Kings of England and France themselves; unless indeed it should be found on inquiry that the enemy has done greater damage in Madame's territories than the Spaniards have to the French and English at sea.
The army under M. de Reux, the ambassador thinks, ought to go to Naples.
It is said that Cardinal Campeggio will be in England by Michaelmas. The King fearing that Cardinal Campeggio might think that he was only seeking this divorce to enable him to marry Anne Boleyn, has sent her home, so that the Cardinal may not find her at Court on his arrival. She is now in her father's house.
Has heard nothing yet of the arrival of the Vayvod, but will advise Madame as soon as he does hear. A few days ago an ambassador from the said Vayvod passed through England with some fugitives from Castille, sent by the King of France. They were some time with the Legate, who spoke to them in fair terms, but would do nothing for them. They then went on to France, where they prefer residing.
By letters from Paris of the 1st inst., and from Genoa of the 20th ulto., it is said that M. de Lautrec has died of illness, and that the Marquis de Saluzzo is made captain-general in his place.
Count Filippino Doria has returned from Spain with nine of the Emperor's galleys to join the 15 under Andrea Doria, and it is thought that by this time they have provided Naples with every necessary.
An Englishman arrived in London yesterday who left Burgos on the 19th of August. M. de Montfort had passed through that city on the 1st of August. The Englishman is surprised that the ratification has not yet arrived, since it had been for some time in the Emperor's hands ready for his signature.
He was at Madrid at the beginning of August, (fn. n3) but that place being considered unhealthy it was said that he would remove to Toledo. Should he (the Emperor) be there the truce can be concluded as well in Spain as in the Netherlands.
It is said that fresh troops are being levied in Germany to join Antonio de Leyva in Lombardy and proceed to Naples together. It would be well that the said succour should be sent immediately, before Mons. de St. Pol stops its passage.
Extract in French of Don Iñigo'. letter to the Emperor. pp. 3.
8 Sept. 542. Ascanio Colonna to Tiberio Colonna.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 161.
Will relate the events of his voyage from Piombino to the coast of Naples. Met at first with contrary winds. Anchored off Gaeta on the 20th ulto. The arrival of Doria's galley's at that port had such good effect, that in less than four days Funni (Fundi), Traietto, et Saxafino a Trano (sic) were retaken from the enemy. Doria having received letters there from the Prince of Orange bidding him go to Naples, as he intended attacking the French,—lately so much reduced in numbers by frequent skirmishes and the plague that there were scarcely 4,000 able to carry arms,—it was decided to sail in that direction; no easy operation, since the galleys of the confederates were in the way. Arrived at Ischia; went thence to Proscida, where the enemy kept us blockaded for some days. At last, one of Doria's galleys managed to get out of the port, and, though closely pursued by five of the enemy, entered the bay of Naples. When Julio di Capua and Fabricio Marramao, whom the Prince had ordered to join Count Burrello on the road to Calabria, heard of the arrival of Doria's galley, and that all the country round Capua had been recovered from the enemy, that Lautrech was dead, and the French camp in great confusion, they stayed in their march, and, re-entering Naples, joined some days after in a general and sudden attack upon the enemy, which ended, as is now well known, in a most signal victory.
Now is the time for His Imperial Majesty to provide this army with money, that it may drive the French out of Lombardy, and perhaps also follow them into France. The forces in Calabria and Gaeta, when united to those of Naples, will make up a body of 16,000 foot, 500 men-at-arms, and a good number of light horse. If immediately deispatched to the assistance of Leyva, Venetians and Florentines will soon desert the League, and furnish enough money to keep for a while the whole of the Imperial army, which, so strengthened and provisioned, would have no difficulty in marching on Provence. If at the same time France should be invaded by way of Salsas in Catalonia, or by the county of Bourgogne, there can be no doubt that the French King will be humiliated and compelled to accept the Emperor's present terms, or harder still should he be pleased to impose them.
Is better of the wound in his leg, which certainly had not improved during his late sea voyage. Leaves in a couple of days for the Abruzzo, of which country he has been appointed governor by the Prince. Is only waiting for Cardinal (Pompeo Colonna), who has been sent for to procure money, &c. The Prince being in bad health does not feel at ease without one of our family by his side.
Italian. Contemporary copy. pp. 2.
12 Sept. 543. The Emperor to Pope Clement VII.
S. E. L. 1,554,
f. 63.
B. M. Add. 28,577,
f. 299.
Has learned from the letters brought by Antonio Bosio, Knight of St. John of Jerusalem, that His Holiness is in thought and deed supporting the Christian Republic, as befits one who is the Vicar of God on Earth. This is the most welcome news that he could receive at the present juncture.
Respecting the affairs of the Order in the East, about which His Holiness writes, he (the Emperor) is not only ready to comply with the request of the Knights, but has given orders that 25,000 ducats be consigned to them upon his royal treasury. Will give more yet, if necessary, though eight years of incessant warfare have so exhausted his resources, that he finds it difficult to provide even for his most pressing wants. Intends placing at the disposal of the Knights of St. John the island of Malta, Gozzo, and the city of Tripoli [in Africa], granting them the perpetual fief thereof on the annual presentation of one hawk, &c.—Madrid, 12th September 1528.
Latin. Original draft. pp. 3.
12 Sept. 544. The Same to the King of England.
S. E. L. 1,554,
f. 67.
B. M. Add. 28,577,
f. 280.
Informs him of the application made by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Is ready to help them as much as he can with money—of which he has but little, owing to the wars he has had to sustain against the French—and by allotting them certain islands for residence. Exhorts him as Defender of the Faith to do all he can in favour of the Order.—Madrid, 12th September 1528.
Latin. Original draft. pp. 4.
12 Sept. 545. The Same to Cardinal Wolsey.
S. E. L. 1,554,
f. 70.
B. M. Add. 28,577,
f. 281..
Has promised the Order of St. John money and lands. "Longè maiora prestaturi, si per hostium perfidiam quæ nos occupatos et pecuniæ exhaustos detinet, maiora præstare licuisset."—-Madrid, 12th September 1528.
Latin. Original draft. pp. 3.
13 Sept. 546. Lope Hurtado to the Emperor.
S. E. Port. L. 368,
f. 156.
B. M. Add. 28,577,
f. 283.
Negotiations concerning the line of demarcation (demarcion) between the newly discovered territories in America.
The King of Portugal has acted most honourably in the affair of the challenge, but has not yet appointed a fit person to take charge of the Emperor's and his own affairs in England. Expects to hear His Majesty's pleasure thereupon.
France—Queen Germaine of Foix, &c.—Lisbon, 13th September 1528.
Addressed: "To His Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty the Emperor, our Lord."
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 6.
14 Sept. 547. Prothonotary Caracciolo to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 169.
His last despatch was dated the 10th of August. Since then great events have taken place, especially in the kingdom of Naples, the glorious news of which Leyva has communicated home. Will not therefore allude further to them.
Here, in Lombardy, the state of affairs is not quite so brilliant. St. Pol and the Duke of Urbino have laid siege to Pavia. Should they succeed in taking that city the whole of the Duchy will be in danger, for they may easily occupy the country round Milan. There is no money to pay the soldiers, who are as usual, "licenciatissimi," and as to provisions there are none at Milan, and they must be brought from the neighbourhood. Should the leaguers take Pavia, the Imperialists must either fight their way out of Milan or starve altogether. Unless funds are remitted from Spain, an honourable peace is preferable to this state of things, now that the power of the French King has been crushed, and the kingdom of Naples saved.
(Common writing:) The Doge of Genoa (Antoniotto Adorno) died here, at Milan, the day before yesterday. His Imperial Majesty has lost in him a good and affectionate servant. He leaves behind a daughter, married to Bernabé Adorno, an able and strongly-built youth, fit for any service whatever. As this family of the Adorni has always distinguished itself by its affection to the Empire, and the two last brothers have died in the service, the Emperor might bestow some favour upon Bernabé as well as Giuliano della Riva, the last representatives of the Adorni.—Milan, 14th September 1528.
Signed : "Il Prothonotario Caracciolo."
Addressed: "To His most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
Italian. Original mostly in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet (.. 171). pp. 4.
14 Sept. 548. The Same to the High Chancellor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 168.
As he will see by the enclosed despatch, this is the fit opportunity to treat of peace unless the Emperor decide to carry on war. Driven out of Naples, the French cannot refuse to accept the terms offered to them a year ago.
Recommends Miçer Giuliano [della Riva].—Milan, 14th September 1528.
Signed: "Il Prothonotario Caracciolo."
Italian. Original partly in cipher. Conter3rmporary deciphering between the lines. p. 1.
18 Sept. 549. The Same to the Same.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 124.
(Cipher:) The object of this letter is to inform His Imperial Majesty of the fact that the Germans are becoming every day more and more intolerable. After searching all the convents and nunneries of the Order of St. Francis for wine and provisions, and laying violent hands on everything they can find—so much so that from want of food, and the brutal behaviour of their visitors, most of the nuns are wandering about the city—the lansquenets are now repeating this process at the houses of rich citizens and nobles.—Milan, 18th September 1528.
Signed: "Il Prothonotario Caracciolo."
Addressed: "To the most Sacred, Imperial, &c."
Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. Milan. Caracciolo. 18th September."
Italian. Original entirely in cipher. Contemporary deciphering between the lines and on separate sheet (.. 174). .. 1.
18 Sept. 550. Don Iñigo de Mendoza to the Emperor.
K. u. K. Haus-
Hof-u.Staats.Arch.
Wien. Rep. P.C.
Fasc. 224, No. 8.
Stated in his last that Cardinal Campeggio, who is coming here as Legate, had left Rome. Last Saturday, the 12th inst., he entered Paris. It is believed that he will stay eight or nine days at the Court of France. This King has sent two gentlemen of his chamber to welcome him, and make him a present of money for his travelling expenses, which he intends to defray from the time he (the Cardinal) left Rome until he returns thither. No sooner did the King hear of his arrival in France than he despatched the lady in question (Anne Bouleyn) to her father's house, under the belief that he will better gain his end should the Cardinal find them separated from each other. Believes there will soon be need of a legal adviser from Spain, as he (Mendoça) has already stated.
The people in general here [in England] are much in favour of the Queen. There can be no doubt that His Imperial Majesty, by taking up her case as if it were his own, will, besides doing what is in itself a meritorious action, secure to himself the affections of the English people. At present there is nothing that annoys this King so much as the idea of not accomplishing his purpose. The Queen places her trust first in God, and next in Your Imperial Majesty. Under the present circumstances she needs more than ever Your Majesty's assistance and protection, and she hopes that proper measures will be taken both here and at Rome for the support of her rights.
A copy of the Papal brief of dispensation for the Queen's marriage to this King is much wanted here. It ought to come forthwith, but so fully and legally attested that it may be presented in Court. The one Mendoça has is a mere transcript.
Another dispensation brief has lately been found here, which materially differs from the copy sent to us. Could a copy of it be obtained at Rome, it could come duly attested at the same time as the other which Your Imperial Majesty has there [in Spain]. Should this not be attainable, let an attested copy of the one we have here be sent, for, as I said before, this is but a mere transcript. (fn. n4) In order to gain time orders might also be given [to the Imperial ambassador] at Rome to forward the document, when obtained, straight here, either through the ambassador at Venice, (fn. n5) or in any other way equally safe and speedy.
Both the King and his lady, I am assured, look upon their future marriage as certain, as if that of the Queen had been actually dissolved. Preparations are already being made for the wedding. The Queen, however, trusts in God and in His Imperial Majesty, as well as in the good-will and affection of the people of this kingdom, that the King and Anne will be prevented from gaining their purpose. His own impression is that this Cardinal now coming here [as Legate] does not bring any mandate to declare sentence in this case, but only to look into it, examine witnesses, &c., and then return to Rome with the result of his inquiry. Suspects, moreover, that the Pope, to keep this King more, as it were, in his power, will delay as much as possible his decision in the matter, which plan his colleague [Cardinal Wolsey] will favour for his own convenience; firstly, because he is terribly afraid of the lady [Anne] becoming Queen [of England], and his own influence and power thereby decreasing; and, secondly, because the King, on account of this intended marriage, shows that he wants him more than ever on his side. However this may be, it is generally believed that both [the Legates] will secretly agree to keep this matter in suspense, and in the meantime profit by the King's favour and largesses. So it is that Cardinal Wolsey shows himself in public as the Queen's bitterest enemy (en lo publico se muestra gran contrario), though in secret all know that he is working in her favour, from the reasons above mentioned and fear of the lady (Anne), not from any good motive.
Letters from Paris state that the king-at-arms of Your Imperial Majesty has gone back [to Spain] without an answer. It is also rumoured that the news lately received from Naples was anything but favourable to the French, for they had been defeated, &c. Your Majesty, I dare say, knows by this time whether this intelligence is correct or not; I myself have no means here of ascertaining the truth of the matter, but the French must really have sustained some loss on the occasion, for they hold their tongues in this country, whereas they always brag of their successes when they have any.
Yesterday, the 17th, Your Majesty's ratification [of the truce], which Madame [the Governess of the Low Countries] wrote to say she expected every day [from Spain], came to hand. I have reasons to believe that these people are glad of this, because, seeing me so lukewarm (tibio) about the matter, they feared and suspected lest my reports should he the cause of Your Imperial Majesty delaying the same. I always was, and am still, of opinion that the truce ought never to have been granted under present circumstances, and, therefore, did what I could to prevent it.
This very day, the 18th, I hear that this King has publicly announced to his courtiers that the garrison of Naples had made a sally and defeated the French with a loss of upwards of 4,000 men, and that the remainder had been so hotly pursued that they had lost all their artillery, &c. If the news be true, Your Imperial Majesty may be sure that by this time the whole of France is so struck by fear and consternation, and so deficient in men and captains, that if an invasion were to be attempted from these parts (Flanders) they would be placed in a very awkward position.—London, 18th September 1528.
Spanish. Original in cipher. Contemporary deciphering on separate sheet. pp. 4.
19 Sept. 551. Secretary Perez to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist.
Salazar, A. 43,
f. 124.
Has written by Don Iñigo de Guevara, by Rodrigo de Ripalda, by Captain Loquinger (Lockinghen), and by a son of Mosen Coll, all of whom left this to announce the glorious victory of the 29th August. Since then Naples has become fuller every day, in consequence of a proclamation issued by the Council bidding all people to return unless they prefer lending the Emperor a proportionate sum to be repaid out of the 200,000 cr. granted by the kingdom. Those who do not, to be held as rebels and traitors. It is to be hoped that within two or three days the whole army will be paid, and retire to their quarters outside the city. The old German bands, who came with the Viceroy, have received 5,000 ducats, and have already left; the new ones are to get 35,000, as they insist on being paid without passing muster, as at Rome.
Cardinal Colonna has come [from Gaeta], and is now here. Daily councils are held at his house, over which he presides, owing to the Prince's and Alarcon's bad state of health. The former has had two or three relapses, but is now much better, thank God. He has gone to a place on the coast called Torre del Griego to recruit his strength.
The brother of Mons. de Labret, a prisoner here, died the other day. Pero Navarro has been removed to Castilnovo, where he will probably end his days, as he himself fears.
Count Guido Rangone left this the other day on a mission to the Pope, promising to do wonders for the Imperial service. Abbot Negrone, a Genoese, whom Andrea Doria sent to Viterbo to announce this last victory, writes that the Pope showed much joy at the news, and settled upon him a pension of 200 ducats a year by way of reward. He said he was ready to do anything to help the Emperor in the entire pacification of Italy, and would return to Rome immediately, provided Civittà Vecchia and Ostia were restored to him. The Prince's answer has been that nothing can be done in this respect without the Emperor's orders, but that, knowing his sentiments and the affection he bears him, His Holiness might at once return to his capital and be there in security, as the Emperor's will must soon be known. Such is the tenor of the message which the Prince of Orange and Cardinal Colonna save Negrone, who went back with it to His Holiness. There is a report afloat that the Pope has already removed to Civittà Castellana, which is closer to Rome than Viterbo. Cardinal Monte is gone thither as Papal Legate, for the moment Farnese. who is a staunch friend of the French, heard of the victory gained by the Imperialists in Naples he deserted his post and went away, on pretence, as some say, that his time was up, and, as others will have it, from fear of the Spaniards and Germans residing at Rome, who begin now to raise their heads and exercise a certain influence.
The Marquis of Saluzzo is fast recovering, and fears are no longer entertained for his life.
The news from Lombardy is that Leyva on the 26th ulto. raised the siege of Lodi and went to Marellano (Marignano), close to Milan, where St. Pol., the Duke of Urbino, and the Duke Francesco Sforza had also encamped with their united forces.
Several rebel barons have been confined in Castilnovo, where they are being tried at present; their estates have already been confiscated.
The Spaniards at Gaeta have found in one of the monasteries of Pull a (Puglia) Don Fadrique, the eldest son of the Duke of Traietto. He has been brought here and confined in Castilnovo, where he will be tried.
On the 6th inst, the white steed (hacanea) was presented to the Pope at Viterbo, who received it with singular marks of satisfaction.
About 500 Frenchmen from Naples have reached Rome, but in such a miserable condition that they actually died on the roads from starvation, and very few will survive. The same may be said of the prisoners here, who wander through the streets begging in a state of nudity and hunger that is really heart-rending.
The Spanish infantry at Gaeta have been sent to Pulla (Puglia) to operate under Count Burrello. They are in all about 1,200, and when joined to their comrades already in that province, will be able to dislodge the few Frenchmen who, with the protection of the Venetian fleet, still occupy certain towns on the coast. It is also reported that Renzo da Ceri is coming to their assistance with money and troops, but nobody here cares a straw about him; besides which, Ascanio Colonna is going to the Abruzzo to occupy the passes, &c.
His Imperial Majesty has no doubt been already informed of the capture by Doria of the two French ships, on board of which were the horses and luggage of Lautrech, Vaudemont, and others.
In order to procure money for the pay of these troops the sale of the confiscated estates has already begun. Any one of the Emperor's officers who wishes to become a purchaser has only to pay part of the estimated price in specie, and the remainder in certain bonds issued by the Imperial treasury, showing the amount of salary owing to them. Those who have no such arrears pay in cash. The sales to be confirmed by the "Regia Corte," and ratified by the Emperor, and it not, the money to be returned to the purchasers with an interest of 12 per cent.—Naples, 19th September 1528.
Signed: "Perez."
Addressed: "To His most Sacred, Imperial, and Catholic Majesty."
Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. Perez. 19th September."
Spanish. Original. pp. 4.

Footnotes

  • n1. What follows is added on the margin by the Emperor himself.
  • n2. Both the superscription and signature to this letter are in the Emperor's hand.
  • n3. According to the Itinerary, published by Bradford (p. 493), the Emperor was at Madrid from the 3rd of August to the last day of October, when he went to Toledos.
  • n4. "Aca ha paresçido otra dispensacion que difiere en muchas palabras a (de?) aquella copia que V. Mt. me mandó inviar. Si en Roma se pudiese aver el transumpto tambien de aquella [dispensacion] seria cosa bien provechosa inviarle tambien autorisado juntamente con este que arriba digo, y si este no se pudrese aver, á lo menos mande V. Mt. que se invie el trasunto autorizado de ia dispensacion que V. Mt. me invió."
  • n5. "Por via del embaxador de Venecia," i.e., Alonso Sanchez.