Spain: December 1528, 1-31 | British History Online

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

Citation:

'Spain: December 1528, 1-31', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 3 Part 2, 1527-1529, (London, 1877) pp. 858-869. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol3/no2/pp858-869 [accessed 13 May 2024].

December 1528, 1-31



1 Dec.	597. The Prince of Orange to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 43, f. 295.	In favour and credence of the deputies of the nobility and gentry of Naples now going to Spain.—De Neapoli, primo Decembris 1528.
	Signed: "Philibert de Chalon."
	Addressed: "To His most Sacred, Imperial, &c."
	Indorsed: "To His Majesty. From the Prince of Orange."
	Italian. Original. 1.
1 Dec.	598. Alonso Sanchez to Lope de Soria.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 43, f. 305.	Has been told the Venetians, Florentines, and the Duke of Ferrara are about to enter, or have already done so, into a new and secret league with France. The Papal Nuncio, who resided once at Francis' Court, has passed through here (Bologna) to notify to him that the Emperor will not come to terms, and refers entirely to the despatches and instructions given to Cardinal Sancta Croce.
	The Duke of Somma was at Corfú, but was shortly expected in Venice. The King of Hungary was at Vienna for the purpose of holding a Diet there, and getting a subsidy in money against the Turk and the Vayvod, who were about to invade his dominions.
	Spanish. Copy. pp. 2.
2 Dec.	599. Andrea Doria to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 1,553, f. 264. B. M. Add. 28,577, f. 310.	Wrote fully on the 30th ulto. Has since received letters from the Imperial ambassador at Rome, announcing the loss of certain Venetian galleys that were conveying troops to Puglia, and also that the affairs of Naples were going on prosperously. God be praised for it, and may the Emperor's arms be victorious everywhere, thus showing the justice of our cause. Hears that Venice has now given orders to most of her army in Lombardy to attend solely to the war in Naples. (Cipher:) Provence being, as he (Doria) has had occasion to state, almost defenceless, and without provisions of any kind, this would be a good opportunity to strike a decisive blow at Marseilles, or other points of the coast. If the Spanish infantry has already arrived in Sicily, as is reported, and remittances in money have also come, matters will soon materially improve everywhere.
	Begs respectfully to inform the Emperor that from the King of France as well as from Mons. de St. Pol great offers have been indirectly made to him (Doria) if he could persuade his countrymen in Genoa to join the League, or else to remain neutral during the present contest. In either case King Francis promises to forgive all the injuries received from the Genoese, and leave the Republic in its present condition. Needs not say that he has replied to these and similar overtures in a manner consistent with his honour and reputation, rejecting all the King's offers.
	The galleys, as he said in his last, sailed yesterday from this port for the coast of Provence, to escort that which is to take Mons. de Balançon (fn. n1) and Mons. de Vaury [to Spain]. Hears that the French galleys are now about Niça and Villafranca, and as they have other armed vessels (altri vascelli de armata) in their company, he (Doria) cannot say whether the operation will not be somewhat delayed through it. It is needful, therefore, that this Republic arm at once, at her own expense, certain vessels, which, going in convoy of the galleys, will be sufficient to make short work of the enemy.—Genoa, 2nd December 1528.
	Signed: "Andrea Doria."
	Addressed: "Cesa. Catca. Mta."
	Italian. Original. pp. 3.
2 Dec.	600. Don Iñigo to the Emperor.
K. u. K. Haus- Hof-u. Staats Arch. Wien. Rep. P.C. Fasc. 224.	On the 23rd and 29th of November last I wrote to Your Majesty that I had waited upon the Queen at her own request, incognito (en el habito mas disimulado que pude), and what was the substance of our conference. I could not at the time, as the vessel which took my letter was under weigh, enter into more details, but I shall be more explicit now.
	After relating all her troubles to me, the Queen proceeded to explain how matters stood respecting her case. The King not being aware that the original dispensation brief was in Your Majesty's possession, was taken by surprise and exceedingly displeased when the transcript was shown to him. There was then a question of immediately sending [to Spain] this King's treasurer to try whether he could not by fair words and show of friendship get possession of the aforesaid document, which, the Queen says, Your Majesty keeps, and of which some people imagine there is no entry in the Roman registers, because they say, whenever a dispensation of this sort is granted in the form of a brief, as that of the Queen's marriage undoubtedly was, no record of the original remains, and no entry is made on the books.
	Such is the opinion of many people at this Court; but I think nevertheless that the brief must have been entered somehow on the registers. However this may be, the Queen requested me to write to Your Majesty about it, and say that, should this King send his treasurer or some other trusty person [to Spain] for the purpose of ascertaining whether Your Majesty has or has not in his possession the original dispensation brief, no answer should be given, and the messenger treated as he deserves. This plan, however, seems to have cooled down, for during the last eight days there has been no more talk about it. Perhaps they have considered how fruitless such a mission would be, and have therefore changed their purpose.
	But as it might happen, as I do really believe, that the brief was entered upon the registers at Rome, it would be advisable to write to the Imperial ambassador at that Court, to have this matter looked into, and personally to ascertain whether the brief is there, and, if so, procure an attested copy of it. Thus, even in the event of the contrary party getting hold of the original, or trying to have it altered and falsified, there would remain a legalised transcript of the same to produce before the judges. Such is the character of the people mixed up in this affair, and such the fury with which they proceed, that there is no baseness of which they are not capable to gain their object. I have written to Rome by all possible routes and ways, but feel no security that my letters have reached their destination, as all the roads and passes are occupied by the enemy.
	The Queen told me likewise that the King had informed her that he would henceforward avoid as much as possible living under the same roof with her. Many people had advised him not to do so as long as this matter of the divorce remained sub judice, for, although he had nothing to fear from her, he was not quite so sure of her servants, both English and Spanish, and especially of the latter. He had, therefore, determined not to see her as often as before, though he would occasionally visit her. This notwithstanding, it must be said that the King has not hitherto carried his threat into execution, for whenever he comes to Greenwich, where the Queen is at present residing, he very seldom fails to visit her, and they dine and sleep together (comen y duermen juntos). This is owing, no doubt, to some of his legal advisers having counselled him not to make any variation in his matrimonial life until the case is fairly tried, and judgment given, for fear his opponents should allege that he is acting in defiance of the Queen's conjugal rights. (fn. n2)
	The Queen further told me of the oath she had taken before the Legate, namely, that she was a virgin when she married this King, and that her former husband (Prince Arthur) had never consummated matrimony; from which I conclude that, even if the dispensation were null and void, the Queen could nowise be condemned.
	This King is now trying to get as many signatures as he can from among the principal men of his kingdom to an attested paper drawn up for the purpose of showing that the abrogation of this marriage is much desired by the people of England. The King's idea is to send the document forthwith to Rome, but hitherto he has been unable to find people to sign it, except two or three, .... the father and brother of the lady whom he wishes to marry, and the Duke of Norfolk, who is her uncle. How many more may be induced to append their signatures to the aforesaid attestation I cannot say, but it is generally believed that as the attempt has hitherto proved unsuccessful it will be dropped altogether.
	Since the arrival of the new Legate (Campeggio) the affair in question has not advanced one step. All the efforts of the contrary party have been limited to trying to persuade the Queen either by threats or promises to take the veil and retire to a nunnery of her own free will. Some people think that when this King perceives his inability to convince the Queen, and considers what the Legate (Campeggio) has told him about it, he may perhaps desist from the endeavour, especially as he is not sure of success. However this may be, at present both he and the new Legate (Campeggio) are expecting an answer from Rome, and they give out that immediately after its arrival the judicial proceedings are to commence, and that the trial will be carried on as quickly as possible.
	The agent (commissario) whom Cardinal Wolsey had there [in Spain] has forwarded his despatches from Bayonne, as he himself could not bring them on account of illness, but was obliged to stop at that place. Immediately after the receipt of the letters the Cardinal announced [to the courtiers] that some of Your Majesty's privy councillors had said that, if this case of the Queen were proceeded with, war would be instantly declared against this King with the help and assistance of his own subjects (con los proprios de su Reyno). The King on hearing of this became furious, but I can assure Your Imperial Majesty that, however great his fury, his fear is still greater. (fn. n3) The Cardinal, on the other hand, has been making grand speeches (grandes sermones) to the people of England on this particular point, exhorting them to abandon the cause of Your Imperial Majesty, which he knows they favour. This he does, not only out of fear of the Flemings, who are here in considerable numbers, but because he knows that the English artisans would be very glad to have them expelled from this city. He has lately procured an order [from the King] forbidding the said Flemings to reside within the territory of London; but in my opinion this has been intended more to please the English artisans, who generally hate foreigners, than as a measure against the people of Flanders. As it is, Englishmen in general are by no means disposed to listen to or believe anything the Cardinal may say against Your Imperial Majesty.
	The King is about to send to the Pope at Rome two new ambassadors about this affair of the Queen, well provided, of course, with false representations (informaciones) and all manner of tempting offers, owing to which the Queen is somewhat alarmed, and has ordered me to write to the Imperial ambassador there, to frustrate any attempts this King may make to influence His Holiness against her. I have done so, and assured the Queen that Your Majesty has already taken measures that the English ambssadors do not make on the Pope the impression which they intend.
	The business, however, is of such importance that it may be necessary to send frequent couriers either to Rome or to Spain, and therefore it would be advisable that the person who is to come and replace me should bring good letters of credit, and money to meet those expenses and others that may arise.
	The King is now at Greenwich staying with the Queen. On St. Andrew's day he went out with his robes and "toison d'or" in his usual way, without making the least change. He is to return to London this week, as they say; in fact he will most likely continue coming backwards and forwards as long as this new Legate stays in England, for he is very anxious to commence proceedings; and Campeggio, I know, will make all possible haste to return to Rome.—London, 2nd December 1528.
	Spanish. Original partly in cipher. pp. 5.
3 Dec.	601. Lope de Soria to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 43, f. 298.	Wrote last on the 21st of November. The Prior of Barletta, who was to be the bearer, not having sailed yet from Genoa, hopes that this despatch will be in time.
	Commends to the Emperor's favour and attention the person of the Prior as one of the most able and experienced captains in the Imperial service.—Montogio, 3rd December 1528.
	P.S.—Forgot to mention that the Prior's services at Genoa and elsewhere are too manifest to require more proofs. When, in 1527, he attacked the enemy at Portofino it was at the Doge's request; he (Soria) accompanied him one league out of Genoa. Again, when he attacked Cesare Campo Fragoso it was at the express desire of Adorno and his party.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, &c."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. From Soria."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 2½.
12 Dec.	602. The Emperor to Don Iñigo.
Rep. P.C. Fasc. 224, No. 11.	Though you must have received, through Her Serene Highness the Lady Margaret [of the Low Countries], the letters with particulars of the public challenge made to us by the Kings of France and England, We now send you the duplicate account of the whole transaction, that you may, if required, reply to any objections, and maintain our honour and reputation as you have done hitherto.
	You will do us great service by informing us as fully and quickly as you can of everything that has passed in the affairs of our most beloved aunt, the Queen of England, since you wrote last, for the better direction of which we have hitherto done all that was required of us, and shall do in future everything in our power, as we consider her cause our own. You will tell our aunt the Queen this for her consolation.—Toledo, 12th December 1528. (fn. n4)
	P.S.—You will find here enclosed attested copies of all the briefs of dispensation on the marriage, which you say are required for the Queen's case. We have no doubt that you will make proper and advantageous use of them, and hope that you will have received or will soon receive the despatch and instructions We have lately addressed to you on this subject.
	Spanish. Original minute. pp. 2.
13 Dec.	603. Martin de Salinas to the King of Bohemia.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. C. 71 f. 205.	Wrote from Madrid on the 10th of October by Pedro de Ascoytia, whom Monforte was to have accompanied with a holograph letter of the Emperor, had not business of the most pressing nature, and his own departure for this city (Toledo), prevented his writing; besides which the letter was ready for the Emperor's signature, and Monforte about to start, when Secretary Gabriel Sanchez arrived with despatches.
	Placed in the Emperor's hands the account of the expenditure of the 50,000 ducats.
	Bills to the amount of 1,200 ducats, drawn by the mercantile house of the Estretes (Street), have been lately presented to the Imperial treasury for payment, together with His Highness' letter of advice. Hears that there is some difficulty about the payment, and that they will not be honoured unless the expenditure of the funds is satisfactorily proved.
	Upon the receipt of His Highness' letter dated Vienna the 7th of October, both he (Salinas) and Secretary Gabriel Sanchez, who was about to return to Germany, waited upon the Emperor and explained to him His Highness' wishes. If the answer, which Sanchez now takes, is not so favourable and categorical as might be desired, the reason is that time changes counsel (tiempo muda consejo), as they say. It is so long since His Imperial Majesty had cognizance of the affairs mentioned in the letter, that he has changed his mind respecting them. Such is the insecurity of the roads through France, or by sea, that merchants will not take charge of official correspondence or private letters. The Emperor, himself, sends few couriers to Flanders, and although he (Salinas) seldom fails to write by them, his reports must naturally reach at considerable intervals. This is the reason why His Highness has not been better served on this occasion.
	Don Pedro de Cordoba has been detained here much longer than was absolutely necessary, owing to private business of his own. He was about to return [to Vienna] when His Imperial Majesty was pleased to grant him the hand of one of the Empress' maids of honour with a considerable marriage portion. He is, moreover, to be rewarded with a high office in the Imperial household, which will prevent him from doing service near His Highness' person, which he exceedingly regrets.
	News has come of the ships lately sent to discover the West Indian continent. The commander has sent a report of what he found there. It is now being copied, and when ready shall be duly forwarded.
	To-day, the 13th of December, Secretary Lallemand has incurred the Emperor's displeasure, as Sanchez will report verbally. He (Salinas) has always found him a zealous servant of His Imperial Majesty, and always ready to promote His Highness' interests at this court, for which reason he hopes that if there be any means of helping him in his present difficulties, and saying a word in his favour, the opportunity will not be allowed to pass.—Toledo, 13th December 1528.
	Addressed: "To the King."
	Spanish. Original draft. pp. 3.
16 Dec.	604. Secretary Perez to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 43, f. 303.	Encloses duplicates of his two despatches sent by Diomedes Carrafa (Caraffa), one of the deputies from this kingdom, who sailed for Spain on the 29th ulto.
	On the first inst. the Duke of Boyano, Don Fadrique, son of the Duke of Traietto, and four more rebels were publicly beheaded in the square in front of Castilnovo. Count Marcon, (fn. n5) who deserved a like fate, was treated with greater clemency owing to certain political considerations. In Puglia three more rebels have been executed.
	An agreement has at last been made with the Spanish infantry. Ten months' pay shall be handed over to them,—five now, and five more at the end of February; on condition, however, that they relinquish all other claims; that from the beginning of March they will be paid punctually every month; and that they will no longer live on the inhabitants, but pay for everything they consume. The Marquis is still at Benevento; the moment he receives the money he will go to Puglia, most probably before Nativity day, as it is said that the Pope is about to remit him 40,000 ducats.
	So far the claims of the Spaniards are definitively settled. The Germans' are not, but it is confidently expected that they will subscribe to the same terms, ...., eight months' pay for all claims. These latter are still in the Abruzzi.
	The people of Trani and Barletta make a stout defence, owing, no doubt, to the assistance the Venetians give them by sea. They have lately taken a city called Vesta (fn. n6) in the neighbourhood.
	Cardinal Sancta Croce and Mons. de Valançon (Balançon) are anxiously expected.
	The Pope has applied through his Nuncio here for restitution to the daughter of Vespasiano Colonna of her father's estate [in Naples], He complains bitterly of Ascanio, who, he says, is only claiming the Emperor's protection for the purpose of taking possession of her estate in the lands of the Church. It has been settled, however, that Cardinal Pompeo shall retain in the Emperor's name whatever she has in Naples; but as to her possessions in the lands of the Church, the Cardinal refuses to interfere, for he says Ascanio has undoubtedly a right to them.
	News has arrived that the King of Hungary is shortly coming to Inspruck, and that the Duke of Gueldres [Charles] has tendered his submission. Andrea del Burgo is going to Rome as ambassador.
	Letters have been intercepted from the Venetian proveditor in sight of Trani and Barletta, written to another proveditor at Corfu, implying that peace was about to be concluded, at which he was delighted, because he said he was greatly in want of provisions.
	Advices from France have been received here that Mons. de Montmorency and the Bishop of Barca (sic) are to treat of the peace with the Emperor's ministers. Encloses paragraphs of a letter from Sanchez.—Naples, 16th December 1528.
	Signed: "Lope de Soria."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, &c."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. Soria."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 4.
17 Dec.	605. Andrea Doria to the Emperor.
S. E. L. 1,553, f. 272. B. M. Add, 28,577, f. 314.	A medal with the bust of the Grand Turk [Soliman] has come into his possession. Sends it to the Emperor, "adcio che quando li scorrara vederlo vivo, com' io tengo ferma speranza, possa conoscerlo con piu facilitate."—Genoa, 17th Decemher 1528.
	Signed: "Andrea Doria."
	Italian. Original. 1.
20 Dec.	606. The Same to the Same.
S. E. L. 1,553, f. 273. B. M. Add, 28,577, f. 315.	As the Prior of Barletta (Martinengo) has not yet taken his departure, owing to stress of weather and contrary winds, he (Doria) will write further of what has passed since his last. The enemy at Alessandria, finding that most of the forces of this Republic had gone to the defence of Gavi (al presidio de Gavio), thought that leaving that fortress behind them, and coming suddenly here, they might take us unawares, and plunder this city. Accordingly, yesterday, the 19th inst., about the hour of noon, 2,000 infantry and 200 horse made their appearance, and came close to the gates with their usual impetuosity (con la solita furia francese). Seeing, however, that we were on the alert, and prepared to receive them, they retreated in haste, leaving behind some of their men, who were slain by the country people. On their march upon this city the enemy did all the harm they could, principally to his (Doria's) palace, which they plundered and set on fire. (fn. n7) Very providentially, a proof indeed that God is supporting the Emperor's cause, the very same day that this unsuccessful attack was made upon Genoa, one of the Emperor's barks (barchio), with Spanish infantry on board, entered this port, and to-day another has arrived, besides one carack, with the rest of the infantry. Is about to send an express to Leyva, informing him of this occurrence, and consulting him as to the best means of serving the Emperor in these parts. (Cipher:) Has no doubt that before next spring he will be able to eject the enemy from Alessandria, for Leyva having, as he has, considerable forces under his command, and hardly one enemy to fight with in Lombardy, cannot fail to send him any forces he may require for that undertaking. (Common writing:) Again insists upon the expediency of making an attempt upon the coast of Provence. Two thousand infantry, or money enough to raise them, besides the ordinary provision for his own galleys, would be more than sufficient for the undertaking.
	Has made overtures to Venice (incaminato la practica de Venecia) with the tact and moderation announced in his last despatch. As soon as an answer is made to his overtures, will not fail to communicate with the Prince of Orange.—Genoa, 20th December 1528.
	Signed: "Andrea Doria."
	Addressed: "Sac., Ces., Cath. Mti."
	Italian. Original partly in cipher. pp. 4.
25 Dec.	607. Secretary Perez to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 43, f. 309.	On the 13th inst. Cardinal Sancta Croce arrived at Genoa. The news was received with great pleasure here and at Rome, for he is supposed to bring such conditions that His Holiness cannot but declare openly against the Italian League.
	On the 20th the Spaniards under Guasto passed muster at Benevento, and next day began marching on Puglia, as certain intelligence had reached them that the 40,000 ducats had actually left Rome.
	Trani and Barletta still held out. Though not regularly besieged for want of proper artillery, the French inside were very much annoyed by the Imperialists. After the taking of Vesta (Vieste) the enemy took possession of certain villages in the mountains, in which they found no less than 20,000 sheep and some other cattle. They were coming back to Barletta with their booty when some of Gonzaga's horse obliged them to leave their prey, most of the marauders being slain or taken prisoners by the Imperialists.
	The Prince of Orange is still at Salerno.
	The Pope insists upon the towns and castles which Vespasiano left in the territory of the Church being first adjudicated to his daughter, and the suit tried afterwards. The councillors here are of opinion that Pagliano and other places cannot be restored, because in Pope Martin's will it is clearly declared that Ascanio has a right to those estates. As to other towns and villages in the territory of the Church, Ascanio's right is not so manifest, and he ought perhaps to relinquish his claim on them, as they were evidently bought by Prospero Colonna. It is not likely that he will give them up.
	News has come that the Germans have passed muster at Boyano; but it is not known yet whether they will agree to receive the eight months' pay that has been offered to them.
	No news yet of Cardinal Sancta Croce's arrival at Rome.—Naples, 25th December 1528.
	Signed: "Perez."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, &c."
	Indorsed: "To the King. 1528. Perez."
	Spanish. Original. pp. 2½.
28 Dec.	608. Don Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza to the Emperor.
M. Re. Ac. d. Hist. Salazar, A. 43, f. 314.	Though he has often written home reporting on the state of affairs in Calabria, yet as letters are often intercepted or lost, will now repeat the substance of some of his former despatches.
	Was governor of Calabria at the time of the French invasion. Having no foreign troops he enlisted about 500 or 600 peasants, "mal en orden y de peyor voluntad," and together with the Dukes of Bisignano and Castro Vyllar (Villani?), who had under them 300 men, went to the frontiers of that province. Thought at first that he might be able to stay the enemy's fury, but finding him too strong, retreated to Catançaro in the very heart of Calabria. Was there besieged by the enemy, who laid the country waste, but could not take the city.
	Must observe that out of the 600 recruits who constituted his original force only 100 remained under his banner, all the rest having passed over to the enemy; among them the Prince of Bysyñano (Bisignano), once governor of Taranto; the Duke of Castro Vyllar; the Count of Symery with two of his uncles; Fernando Lisbal, and the Baron of Calepiçats. Seeing the enemy advance, he sent out Fernando de Bysbal, an excellent officer who has served very well throughout this campaign, that he might procure a number of Spaniards in Sicily. This he did, bringing back with him the Marschal of Zamora with his company of hackbutiers, with whose assistance he was enabled to repulse the enemy. Then came Count Burrello with his Sicilians and Spaniards, whom Captain Symon (fn. n8) went to meet with a large body of armed peasants, but Burrello's men, though in smaller number, were better disciplined, and made short work of the enemy. Symon was defeated with great slaughter. Hearing this the besiegers raised their camp and retreated to the frontiers of Calabria, hotly pursued by the Count and by him (Mendoza), who succeeded in capturing part of their artillery and baggage.
	After this the Count went to Puglia in obedience to the Prince's orders, and he (Mendoza) returned to the government of his province. There was a castle (tierra) and estate called Las Canillas, the strongest place in the province, which had not yet raised its standard for the Emperor. Besieged it for two consecutive months, until it was reduced to the Imperial rule. The whole of the kingdom is now under submission, with the sole exception of Trani and Barletta, now besieged by the Imperialists, and which, it is to be hoped, will soon share the same fate. Though he has no doubt that His Imperial Majesty must have been informed of these particulars by the Prince of Orange and Marquis Alarcon, his father-in-law, (fn. n9) yet he has considered it his duty to repeat the substance of former despatches.—Turpya, 28th December 1528.
	Signed: "Don Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza."
	Addressed: "To the most Sacred, &c."
	Indorsed: "To His Majesty. From Don Pedro Gonçalez de Mendoza, governor of Calabria. 28th December."
	Spanish. Original, pp. 2½.