Spain: September 1546, 16-30 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 8, 1545-1546. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1904.

'Spain: September 1546, 16-30', in Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 8, 1545-1546, (London, 1904) pp. 474-479. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/spain/vol8/pp474-479 [accessed 26 April 2024]

September 1546, 16–30



16 Sep. Vienna. Imp. Arch.	324. The Emperor to Van der Delft.
	We have received your letters of 16th August, relating what had passed between Secretary Paget and you respecting the detention of the Duke Palatine Philip; and also touching our enterprise and the French designs in Italy. With regard to the first point, of the detention of the Duke Philip, we can only say that up to the present we have heard nothing whatever about it from our sister, the Queen Dowager; but we suppose that the Queen will have written to you with instruction to explain it to the King of England: the reason for the detention being ample, seeing that the principal efforts of the enemy against us here are made from the territories and places owing allegiance to his brother though subject to us, and the King has no reason to complain on the ground that the Duke is in his service. As, however, we are in ignorance of what has happened since, we can only refer you to the instructions that our sister may send you on the subject, though you may employ the arguments mentioned above if you find convenient or necessary.
	You will see by the document enclosed the course of events relative to our enterprise up to the present, and you may communicate the same to whomever you think well, paying no attention to any attempts that may be made to represent matters differently. With regard to French intrigues, Italian affairs are being carefully watched. There seems, however, at present, no appearance that the French intend to make any move there, though we thank you for the intelligence you send, and hope you will continue to report all you hear; and particularly, as secretly as you can, what happens in England. Camp near Ratisbon, 16 September, 1546.
21 Sep. Vienna. Imp. Arch.	325. Van der Delft to the Queen Dowager.
	I have at this instant received your Majesty's letters of 14th, with enclosures, but as I have been unable to detain this courier, even a half-hour, whilst they are being deciphered I cannot now answer them.
	I have, nevertheless, considered it advisable to inform your Majesty the reason that has prevented me from going to see the King, as I wrote in my last letters that it was my intention to do. When I was ready to start I was secretly informed that the King was very ill, and in great danger; the physicians giving very little hope of his recovery. As this was kept so secret it was evident that I should not obtain access to him, so that I remained here (in London), where the Council still is, until a better opportunity presented itself. As I hear now, however, that he is convalescent, I shall be ready to go to Court as soon as I have read your Majesty's letters, the contents of which shall guide my action.
	The rumour is prevalent here that the French have demolished the fort they had begun to construct near Boulogne Harbour, but I do not know what truth there is in this. I heard previously that the King of France had recently sent an answer to this King on the subject to the effect that he did not wish to lose his friendship, but would do all he could to preserve it, and would consequently consent to refer to commissioners the point at issue (i.e. respecting the demolition of the fort). But still the French continued the construction. The Earl of Hertford since left here, so I am in doubt about the demolition.
	London, 21 September, 1546.
22 Sep. Simancas. E. A. 642.	326. The Emperor to Juan de Vega.
	Recapitulates the points in Vega's letter of 12 Sep.; especially concerning the impossibility of inducing the Pope to increase the amount to be derived from the monasteries, etc., in Spain beyond 300,000 ducats. The Emperor then severely blames and rebukes Vega for accepting such a concession, knowing, as he does, that the original grant to be derived from the sale of the manors was 500,000. The whole history of the grant and the Emperor's consent to the substitution for it of a contribution of money of equal amount is repeated, but as the previous letters give the whole particulars, it is unnecessary to transcribe them again in this place. As soon as Vega's letter was received the Emperor sent the Regent Figueroa (fn. 1) from the Imperial camp to Ingolstadt to see Cardinal Farnese, who had remained there owing to indisposition. His mission was to express the Emperor's displeasure, and to say that his Majesty would accept nothing less than 500,000 ducats nett from this source. The Cardinal expressed surprise, and acknowledged the justice of the Emperor's complaint; but endeavoured to induce him to accept the 300,000 on account, promising that he (Farnese) would endeavour to bring his Holiness to reason with regard to the rest. The argument of the Pope and Sacred College was that, as the Emperor was not to guarantee any equivalent income for the second concession, as he was bound to do for the first, it was thought that he would he satisfied with 300,000 ducats nett. Figueroa insisted upon the whole 500,000 being granted. Vega is most emphatically ordered to insist upon a grant of the whole amount, not a maravedi less: and he is to hint that this sum, and much more, will have to be spent by the Emperor, in consequence of the copy of the clauses (of the treaty with the Emperor ?) having been sent by the Pope to the Switzers; as this has caused the latter to dissemble and to allow their people to join the enemy. Many Switzers have recently arrived at the enemy's camp, and they are making great use of the copy of the treaty, which they have even sent to Bohemia to induce people there to take up arms against the Duke of Saxony. (fn. 2) The King of the Romans is much embarrassed about this. The Pope was told from the first that it was not desirable to publish more about the treaty than that the enterprise was directed solely to the punishment of the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse, under which pretext the religious question might be settled without arousing so much enmity.
	Deplores the loss and inconvenience incurred by the insistence of the Pope upon the previously-made arrangements for paying the subsidy. But since his Holiness remains obdurate no more is to be said about it, though the money has had to be raised hastily and at onerous rates elsewhere.
	Camp near Neuburg, 22 September, 1546.
25 Sep. Simancas. E. F. 502.	327. The Queen Dowager to the Emperor.
	Secretary Strick, whom we sent to Scotland, has now returned; but the report he has furnished of his proceedings there is so prolix that we think it will be necessary only to send your Majesty an abstract of it.
	He found it impossible to obtain restitution of the vessels and merchandise plundered by the Scots from your Majesty's subjects, Flemish and Spanish. The Scots, however, have promised to administer prompt and impartial justice, in accordance with the agreement concluded by Secretary Paniter and sent last year to your Majesty; all prizes that have been captured in violation of that agreement being restored. Strick, however, is of opinion that they will restore nothing, especially as it is said that the Regent (Arran) and other great personages share in the profits of the plunder.
	The Scots declare that, in their opinion, they are not at peace with your Majesty; their contention being that, although the Emperor, as well as themselves, be included in the recent peace treaty between France and England, they have always understood the inclusion clause only actually established a state of peace between them and the two contracting parties, but not between them (the Scots) and another party also included like themselves. They have, however, declared themselves ready to renew their former treaties with the house of Burgundy, without mentioning Spain, adding that they would renew the old treaties only on condition that their peace with your Majesty should be quite independent of their peace with the English. Otherwise they would be at the mercy of the King of England.
	The Scots are not disinclined to send commissioners or ambassadors for the purpose of renewing the old treaties of peace with us, but they demand first to know whether your Majesty will be willing to negotiate with them without the prior restitution of the ships, etc. they have captured. We doubt not that the pillage and robberies at sea will be continued by the Scots, as the profit to them is very considerable. It is even said that the French will cooperate with them in this, and that a society is being formed for the express purpose of plundering the vessels homeward bound from the Indies. It will be necessary for us to arm a number of ships to prevent the spoliation of your Majesty's subjects thus: we have conferred with several persons well acquainted with mariners and maritime affairs, and we are assured that there will be no difficulty in fitting out and manning ships. The owners, however, would expect that the cost of so doing should be deducted from the taxes they have to pay. We should be glad to receive your Majesty's instructions on some doubtful points, in case the Scots send an ambassador to conclude peace.
	1. According to the last treaty of alliance between your Majesty and the King of England you are not at liberty to deal with the Scots without the consent and inclusion of the King of England. But, on the other hand, the Scots are included in the recent peace treaty between France and England, and are consequently at peace with the latter, whilst still remaining at war with your Majesty. It appears, therefore, only reasonable that, as we remain alone at war with them, we should also be able to make a peace alone with the Scots, without the intervention of the King of England. As, however, the King of England would probably resent our entering into any negotiations with the Scots without his knowledge and acquiescence, we propose to instruct your Majesty's ambassador in England to broach the matter there to the King.
	2. We shall be glad of your Majesty's direction as to whether we should treat with the Scots, if they persist in their demand to make peace with Flanders alone, without including Spain.
	3. Also, does your Majesty wish us to enter into negotiations with the Scots at all prior to the restoration of the ships and merchandise they have stolen ?
	4. If the King of England concludes a peace with the Scots, including in the treaty with them your Majesty and all your dominions generally, will such an inclusion be sufficient for us without further direct guarantees? Your Majesty would in such case be at peace with the Scot only so long as it suited the King of England to remain at peace with them. We shall be thankful for your Majesty's replies on these points for our guidance.
	25 September, 1546.
27 Sep. Simancas. E. 73.	328. Prince Philip to the Emperor.
	Letters of 10th August and others received. Notes the Emperor's good health, and the readiness of the armies, which only awaited the arrival of the Flemings under Buren. Prays for prompt advice of events. Cobos dangerously ill, but, nevertheless, “He summoned the Marques de Mondejar (fn. 3) and the Council of Finance, to discuss your Majesty's letter about the loans. Much difficulty was raised, and the opinion was that the affair would cause a great uproar and produce very little; but the Council, in order not to incur the disgrace of refusing your Majesty's request, of which they saw the need, decided to carry out your Majesty's wishes. The letters were accordingly drawn up and entrusted to proper people to execute, with instructions as to how they were to proceed. Replies have already been received in some instances; the Prior and Consuls of the merchants of Burgos especially at once agreeing to lend the 20,000 ducats. A list of the replies shall be sent; and every diligence shall be used in the matter. (fn. 4)
	Seeing that the result of these loans was likely to be uncertain and small, as well as tardy, the Comendador Mayor (Cobos) suggested a means by which your Majesty might be supplied with funds more speedily. He had considered the matter for some time, but had only divulged it to me, the idea being to carry it out without consulting anyone. The proposal was to lay hands upon all the money that could be got, even though it was already pledged, and to send it in galleys to Genoa, and thence to your Majesty. The object of this was to avoid the loss and delay in exchange, and the inconvenience of the tightness of money at present existing in the Genoese market; whilst at the same time furnishing your Majesty with means at once, as the bills of exchange in any case would have to be drawn at long usance. Alonso del Castillo, your Majesty's chamberlain, was accordingly sent to. Seville to expedite the collection of 150,000 ducats in gold, or as much as could be got in gold and the rest in silver, which specie he was directed to carry to Gibraltar, or any other place indicated by Don Bernardino de Mendoza. The latter officer was instructed to proceed with the galleys to the most convenient place for the shipping of the coin; and to accompany it, either with the whole flotilla or to arm two galleys sufficiently to make the voyage with complete security. All this has been done with the utmost secrecy and dissimulation, for these realms are so utterly short of money that not a crown is to be seen, and great complaints and lamentations would be made if the matter were known. The greatest possible speed shall be employed in sending the money to Genoa; and it will be advisable for your Majesty to send instructions thither as to how it is to be forwarded to you. If on its arrival at Genoa no orders are there from your Majesty Mendoza is instructed to go on with the money in accordance with directions we now send to the Regent Figueroa and Don Fernando Gonzaga. (fn. 5) The latter is to provide an escort to protect the specie, if necessary. We also await the bill of exchange that the Ambassador Figueroa is instructed to obtain from the merchants of Genoa of 150,000 crowns. He writes that he was negotiating the business, which he found extremely difficult, though he still hoped to effect it. When the bill comes we will make every possible effort to give to the merchants the securities assigned to them, though it will be hard work to do it. If when this is done any balance is left to us, or we have anything remaining from the (forced) loans, we will try to get other bills of exchange.” (Thanks the Emperor earnestly for his favour in the Milan matter, i.e. the grant of the Duchy of Milan to Philip. The illness of Cobos preventing him from being present at the taking of the oath, the Marquis de, Monde jar and Gonzalo Perez attended, and the ceremony was carried out as the Emperor directed. As the testimony is drawn up in clear writing—i.e. not in cipher—it is considered advisable to send it by the galleys to Genoa. The provisioning of the fortress of Bugia, Goletta, etc. The Brief directing the Cardinals holding benefices in Spain to contribute the half-first-fruits has arrived, and Poggio the Nuncio has delegated to the Bishop of Lugo the authority to enforce the Pope's order. The authorities of the cathedral of Toledo have requested permission to meet and discuss matters in the interest of the churches. Permission given. Other Spanish ecclesiastical matters of secondary interest communicated.)
	Guadalajara, 27 September, 1546.